9/30/2011
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The mighty sycamore tree grows to a larger trunk diameter than any other native U.S. hardwood.
According to the Native Tree Society, in 1770, near the junction of the Kanawha and Ohio rivers at what is now known as Point Pleasant, George Washington recorded a sycamore measuring nearly 45 feet in circumference at three feet from the ground.
This stately and hardy tree grows to 100 feet high or more. Its leaves turn brown in autumn. Young trees are easily identified by their smooth bark. The bark of mature trees is covered with broad, curling scales that shed to expose a smooth, white surface beneath.
The largest sycamore currently on record in West Virginia grows near Viola in Marshall County. It is 117 feet tall and has a crown spread of 128 feet.
Sycamore lumber, which is light brown and tinged with red, is used to make butcher blocks, furniture and interior finishes.
Sycamores are found throughout West Virginia, but are more common in moist soils by streams. They are able to endure an urban environment and are popular as shade trees. The sycamore bears transplanting well and grows rapidly.
Seedlings can be purchased from Clements State Tree Nursery in West Columbia, Mason County. Clements, the only state-operated forest tree nursery in West Virginia, sells bare root sycamore seedlings starting at $25 per bundle. Each bundle consists of 25 seedlings – plenty for you to plant and share with friends and family. Orders can be shipped to the buyer, or customers may pick up their orders at the nursery.
For a complete catalog of seedlings for sale at Clements State Tree Nursery, visit
www.wvcommerce.org/resources/forestry/treenursery.aspx or call the nursery at 304-675-1820.
For more information, visit the Division of Forestry’s website at
www.wvforestry.com.
Contact Information
Leslie Fitzwater, Public Information Specialist
304-957-9342 or 304-541-8102
Leslie.C.Fitzwater@wv.gov