Habitat:
The sycamore is a lowland tree, tolerant of poorly-drained soils along
rivers and streams and on floodplains. It reaches its full stature in deep,
moist, rich soils, but in low, wet areas its growth is less robust. It will
invade abandoned fields and spoil banks and is moderately shade tolerant.
Diseases: A major drawback to its use as an ornamental is that it is highly susceptible to anthracnose, a fungus disease. The effects seem to be exacerbated by cold, wet spring weather immediately after leaf emergence. Although the tree will lose the infected leaves and produce more later in the season, the disease weakens its resistance to pests, diseases and winter injury. Fungicide treatments and sanitation may alleviate the problem. Sycamore plant bug, sycamore tussock moth, borers, scale and bagworm are sometimes problematic.
Distribution: This tree is common throughout eastern North America and is scattered in the mountains of northeastern Mexico. It is native or has naturalized throughout the southern one-half to two-thirds of Iowa. If planted in northern Iowa, it suffers twig dieback during severe winters.
