Sycamore, Arizona (bare root)

Platanus wrightii. This tree occurs along stream banks and canyons in southwestern New Mexico and southeastern Arizona. Many small beautiful stands of this tree may be seen in the Gila and Coronado National Forests and in the NM bootheel region and can also be found in southwestern cities as a nice urban shade tree.

The tree grows to a very large size in a good site, up to 80 ft. tall and 4' diameter. The leaves are star-shaped and color beautifully in the fall as they turn yellow and russet. The seed occurs in pendant balls about 1 inch in diameter, hanging on stalks about 6-8 inches long. Most notable is the bark, which grades from a light green color on the branches to dark gray with tan and eventually white where the old bark flakes off. The wood is a beautiful light pink in color.