General: California Sycamore (Platanus racemosa) is a tree that grows in California and is similar to the Arizona Sycamore (Platanus wrightii). California Sycamore grow to become large trees with smooth, distinctive bark that flakes off in irregular, puzzle-like pieces to reveal lighter underbark. Leaves grow 4-10 inches long and are 3-5 lobed. Lobes are rather narrow, sharply pointed, toothed, and the leaf sinuses reach only halfway to the leaf base. Flowers bloom in globular clusters, and the fruits are a short stalked, spiky ball to about 1/2 inches diameter, in chains of three.

California Sycamore is a fairly common component of vegetation communities in the coastal region from northern California south into Baja California. Scattered populations grow in moist foothill canyons on the west side of the Sierra Nevada Mountains to about 4,000 ft.

Don't look for California Sycamore around Las Vegas, rather look for them over on the California coastal region or in the foothills of Sequoia National Park.

Family: Sycamore (Platanaceae)