#34 PURPLE LEAVED SYCAMORE
Acer pseudoplatanus ‘Atropurpurea’
This tree can be found at the top of the East Walk.
County Champion by girth
| Distribution: | Native to Europe and western Asia Naturalised in Britain, North America, Australia and New Zealand. Now considered an invasive species. |
| Planting Date: | Supplied by Hillier Nurseries, Romsey, Hampshire in 1921. |
| The Common Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus): Much applies to the PURPLE LEAVED SYCAMORE (Acer pseudoplatanus purpureum) | The Common Sycamore is not native to Britain but comes from central, eastern and southern Europe. It was probably introduced sometime in the Middle Ages but Roman introduction has been suggested. Scottish Gaelic names suggest a 6th to 8th century presence, but the first records in the wild are from 1632. Its prolific seed production and germination has resulted in it being classified as an invasive species, particularly in Norway, the USA, and New Zealand. It is thoroughly naturalised in Britain, growing on most soil types, and can grow to 35 m and live for 400 yr. The tree can be coppiced. Squirrels are fond of the bark and can strip stems and kill them. The Sycamore aphid, Drepanosiphum platanoidis produces large quantities of sticky honeydew. |
| Growth Habit: | There are minor differences between #15 and #34 in both leaf and keys as shown in the photographs. #15 is grafted onto rootstock #34 was grown from a seedling Seedlings cannot be relied on to breed true. |
| Leaf: | The underside of its foliage is purple. Effective in urban, windy sites and can tolerate salt-laden air. Few trees offer an alternative leaf colour to green that can still be planted at exposed sites. Where a contrast between the top and bottom of the leaves is constantly on display. Autumn colour is also quite dramatic. |
| Flowers: | The flowers can be functionally male or female, and the sexes commonly open at different times thus encouraging cross fertilisation. |
| Tree height and girth in 2023: | Height 24 m and girth 318 cm |
| Introduction Date: | 1897 via Germany |
| Anecdotes and Comments | #15 County Champion height #34 County Champion girth Rated by The Tree Register in 2023 |