Platanus mexicana aka Mexican Plane

Platanus mexicana, or Mexican sycamore, belongs to the plane-tree family. It is a fast-growing tree that sheds its leaves. Sources differ on the bounds of its native range. Kew lists Texas through northeastern Mexico. Oregon State and Useful Tropical Plants include northern Guatemala. It grows beside streams and rivers, and in wetland areas. Kew places it in a subtropical climate.

The crown grows upright, then forms a broad, rounded shape. Its dense canopy makes it useful as a shade tree. Reported usual heights are about 49–66 feet [15–20 metres]. Oregon State gives 50 feet [15 metres], with taller trees reaching 82 feet [25 metres]. Useful Tropical Plants reports Guatemalan trees reaching 148 feet [45 metres]. These are far taller than the usual range. The trunk can measure about 5 feet [1.5 metres] across. Some trunks reach about 6.6 feet [2 metres] across. Smooth bark has a silver-gray tone.

The leaves grow in an alternate pattern along the stems. Each leaf is simple, rather than split into leaflets. Most have five pointed lobes and smooth edges. They can reach about 0.66 feet [0.2 metres] wide. Their upper sides are glossy green. Short, pale woolly hairs cover the lower sides. Green flowers appear in March and April. The rough, round fruits bear tawny hairs. Each fruit stalk holds one or two fruit balls.

Grow this tree in full sun; it also accepts partial shade. It suits most soils, including those with an alkaline pH. It also tolerates packed soil and polluted air. Water young trees until their roots become established. Established trees can withstand drought. Chicago Botanic Garden lists moderate water needs. The sources disagree on cold hardiness. Chicago lists USDA zones 5–9, while Oregon State gives zone 8. This leaves its tolerance of colder sites uncertain.

People plant Mexican sycamore for shade and use its wood locally. The wood serves for carpentry, dishes, and spoons. Useful Tropical Plants records no known food or medicinal uses. Fine, stiff hairs fall from young leaves and fruits. These hairs have been linked to breathing problems. Dry air lets wind carry them more easily. Seed and mature-wood cuttings offer ways to raise new trees. A cold period can help seeds germinate. Seed collected from garden trees may have poor viability.