This introduction is used extensively in parks and gardens so escapes occasionally into our waste areas and woodland. It looks at first glance like Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) and can grow very tall like that tree. Closer observation reveals that the leaves are more pointed and the flowers which appear before the leaves are upright like Acer campestre (Field Maple) not pendulous like Acer pseudoplantanus.

A. platanoides is found throughout England, most of Wales and Scotland but is less common in Ireland.

Land near quarry, Cheshire 19th April 2005

Added on May 8th 2005, updated 3rd Oct 06, updated 29th April 2008, updated 20th Feb 2010, updated Se3 22nd April 2010