Variegated Sycamore, Sycamore Leopoldii

This cultivar of Sycamore has pretty variegated foliage which emerges a lighter yellow/green, turning more green/cream as the summer progresses. It is particularly stunning in the period from spring to early summer, when the contrast of the foliage is the most striking.

Acer pseudoplatanus Leopoldii has all of the wonderfully tough and vigorous qualities of its parent, Acer pseudoplatanus, with the added benefit that it has much to offer by way of ornamental qualities in its bright and vibrant foliage. It thrives in most soil conditions and is particularly useful in very windy, exposed and coastal conditions as Sycamore is one of the very few trees that will tolerate salt-laden winds and this variety also displays this stellar quality.

It is a medium to large tree of rounded habit at maturity which was introduced in the early 1860’s and unlike some other variegated trees does not suffer from reverting back to green foliage over time. There are very few varieties of tree that offer the benefit of being tolerant to coastal conditions, so this tree is perfect for schemes in an exposed or coastal location with the added benefit that it can offer unique ornamental foliage. It is a welcome alternative to the handful of other trees which will tolerate salt.

It is a spectacular medium to large sized, rounded headed, variegated tree which does not suffer from reversion to green over time like many other variegated trees. In the industry the Sycamore has acquired a slightly tarnished reputation for being a weed, largely owing to its significant vigour and penchant for self seeding, however it is foolish to discount this dramatic coloured cultivar, especially in schemes situated in exposed or coastal areas and species choice is limited.

As a word of caution, recent research has identified the foliage and samara of Sycamore to be poisonous to horses and therefore they should not be planted in and around paddocks.

Mature height: 17-22m

Common names

Variegated Sycamore, Sycamore Leopoldii

Height of tree

17-22m

Soil type

Well drained, Will tolerate most soil types

Shape

Rounded

Foliage Colour

Variegated

Looks good in

Spring

Location

Parkland, Coastal

Genus

Acer