Spaeth’s sycamore

A dark-leaved variant of the native sycamore, Acer pseudoplatanus Spaethii is also known as Acer pseudoplatanus ‘Atropurpureum’. Like the common sycamore, Spaeth’s sycamore is a large, handsome, vigorous, deciduous tree with a rounded crown and smooth grey bark, which will thrive in almost any soil, and is highly wind-resistant; tolerant of salt winds, it is ideal for a seaside shelter belt. The large, 5-lobed leaves are beautiful, a strong green above and a velvety purplish-red on the underside, and are even lovelier in autumn, when they turn orange-red. The insignificant flowers are followed by double-winged fruit, known as samaras, which seed about freely. Be aware that the fruit and leaves are toxic to horses.

Site: Tolerates exposure, including coastal exposure
Soil: Any reasonably well-drained soil
Position: Full sun preferred
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: eventually 65-82’ (20-25m) Spread: eventually 50’ (15m)