California Sycamore (Platanus racemosa)

Who is that GORGEOUS tree with the puzzle-piece bark and the shocking light green leaves, and WHY are they only hanging out by the creek?! In this video, part of the Tree Talks with Theo Hoss series created by naturalist Theodore Hoss, we learn about how this water-loving tree has adapted to survive in the brutal dry climates of California and Baja California. Featuring several specimens of what is commonly known as the California or Western Sycamore, this deep-dive into the life of this species will hopefully serve as a solid introduction to this tree and some of its life-traits. The video also highlights some of the threats this species faces in its home range, and shares footage of a tree more than 350-years-old, which showcases how spectacular nature can be when we work to conserve it. With luck, a greater understanding of these trees and the riparian habitats they are a part of can help you better understand the ways in which we are a part of the environment!