Platanus racemosa

Platanus racemosa (Western Sycamore)
Painted by Albert Valentien © San Diego Natural History Museum

Platanus racemosa or Western Sycamore is found along rivers, old streambeds, or other water sources, because the tree requires access to water within the root zone. Growing as tall as 100 feet, it is a long-lived tree with dappled bark, and prefers loose, well-aerated soil. In addition to serving as a food source for Tiger Swallowtails, it is an important tree for woodpeckers, warblers, hawks, and other birds, as well as other vertebrates, which depend on the upper canopy for habitat in the riparian zone. Western Tiger Swallowtail butterflies use this tree, as well as various species of Salix and Populus as host plants.

Introduction to Valentien Collection
Gallery of Plants
Monarca: A Gallery of Butterfly Plants

Text by Margaret Dykens