Acer pseudoplatanus aka Sycamore Maple

Acer pseudoplatanus, commonly known as sycamore in the UK and sycamore maple in the US, is a deciduous, broad-leaved tree in the soapberry and lychee family Sapindaceae. It is tolerant of wind and coastal exposure and can grow up to 35 m (115 ft) tall with a broad, rounded crown. The bark is smooth when young and flakes in irregular patches as it matures. The large palmate leaves have five radiating lobes, and the greenish-yellow flowers hang in dangling panicles, producing copious amounts of pollen and nectar attractive to insects. The winged samaras germinate freely in the spring. Native to Central Europe and Western Asia, the sycamore establishes itself easily from seed and was introduced to the UK by 1500, where it is now naturalized, along with other parts of Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand, where it can become an invasive species. In its native range, the sycamore is associated with a biodiverse range of invertebrates and fungi, but these are not always present in areas to which it has been introduced. Sycamore maple is a rare houseplant that is not challenging to grow and prefers regular watering and long-lasting, direct light within a foot of a window. It does best in soil that retains moisture and typically doesn't need added fertilizers if repotted each time it doubles in size. The sycamore produces a hard-wearing, creamy-white close-grained timber used for musical instruments, furniture, joinery, wood flooring, and kitchen utensils, and it also makes good firewood. The rising sap in spring has been used to extract sugar and make alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Bees collecting the nectar make honey. Additionally, the sycamore is sometimes planted in urban areas for its amenity value.