TreeBaltimore

Along Baltimore’s streets, what you may think is a sycamore is probably actually a London planetree. American sycamores are most commonly found along our streams in natural areas and planted in parks and open spaces.

American sycamore is native to the Baltimore region. London planetree is a hybrid of both Oriental planetree and American sycamore, and is more tolerant of pollution and urban conditions.

Here are a few ways to tell the difference: 1) Sycamores will have seed balls that grow singly (one ball per stalk) while London planetree often grows seed balls in pairs (occasionally one or three).

2)Sycamore leaves are noticeably wider than they are long, while those of the London planetree have deeper sinuses and resemble a maple leaf in shape.

3)The bark is varied. Sycamore has very white bark that is mottled all the way down the trunk while London planetree has greenish tint with thicker, dark brown bark at the base.

As we close out American sycamore week, enjoy photos the City Champion, located on private property in West Baltimore. It scores 333 big tree points. Its circumference is 172” with a spread of 113.5’. At 133’ it is the second tallest measured tree in Baltimore.

In other parts of the country, American sycamore is know as buttonwood. The fine-grained wood was once used to make buttons on clothing and shoes.

Head to our website where you can peruse info on all 6 candidates and cast your vote for the next official city tree! The polls remain open for one more week!treebaltimore.org/official-city-tree

As American sycamore week continues, we would be remiss not to cover a common fungal disease called Anthracnose (Apiognomonia spp.) that affects both sycamores and their relative, the London planetree.

This fungal disease overwinters in the buds, twigs, fruit, and fallen leaves of affected trees. Rainy weather causes the fungal spores to spread from one infected leaf to another. Symptoms of this infection include new leaves that wilt and drop off the tree in early spring, which may cause the tree to look dead. ☠️ Although the disease is rarely fatal and trees will grow a second set of leaves, repeat infections can result in abnormal branching and leave a tree stressed and more susceptible to other diseases and pests.

Fortunately, when temperatures increase, and the rain stops, Anthracnose will become inactive. Trees can generally begin to push out a new flush of healthy foliage and thrive through the summer months. 🍃

This particular young London planetree, planted by our partners at Midtown Community Benefits District in the Bolton Hill neighborhood, appeared dead after most other trees had leafed out, but after several weeks, it grew a second set of leaves and is now thriving.

Head to our website where you can peruse info on all 6 candidates and cast your vote for the next official city tree!! treebaltimore.org/official-city-tree

One of the tallest trees native to the northeast, tuliptrees can reach up to 200 feet in height under ideal conditions, and can live for up to 300 years.

Behold the tallest tuliptree in the state! This fine specimen in the first photo also happens to be the 2nd largest tuliptree in Baltimore City, and the 3rd tallest tree (of any species!) in the state! It has 386 pts, with a 208” circumference, 156’ height, and 87’ spread.

The second tree is the Baltimore City champion tuliptree, leading with 396 Pts - 243" circumference, 133' Height, and 79.5' spread. This tree is privately owned in Northeast Baltimore.

Vote for your favorite new city tree on our website at https://www.treebaltimore.org/official-city-tree