Acer pseudoplatanus L. Sycamore, Sycamore Maple, Great Maple, Scottish Maple. Native to central and southern Europe, cultivated as a shelter tree in town streets and parks, and for its timber which is used to make many small items from violins to wooden spoons, and as a veneer. Height to 30m (100ft). Flowers open in April in hanging spikes 6-l2cm (2¼-4½in) long. Fruit have wings 2.5cm (1in) long which often turn bright red during the summer. Leaves may be only 3-lobed on some older fruiting trees. Leaf-stalks may be red or pinkish yellow.
A. pseudoplatanus cv. 'Atropurpureum' has leaves dark green above and dark purple beneath. Z5.