American Sycamore at New York Botanical Garden

Borough: Bronx
Community Board: 27/NYBG
Designated: 2024

Tree Details

Species: American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)
Trunk Diameter 57 Inches

The American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) is a large, long-lived tree that can be identified from a great distance due to its massive size and shockingly white dappled bark. This tree is located next to the Everett Garden Gate, where its huge branches provide shade to groups of school children as they enter the garden. It is a native species that self-seeded on the garden grounds. As part of the New Deal, the Works Progress Administration created public works jobs for those impacted by the Depression. One such project was a site-wide tree survey of the New York Botanical Garden, during which this tree was found to have a diameter of 46” in 1937, indicating that it likely pre-dates the founding of the garden in 1891. It currently has a diameter of approximately 57”, one of the largest in the garden.

Location

New York Botanical Garden, just northeast of Everett Garden Gate

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