Platanus occidentalis

The magnificent Sycamore is generally regarded as the most massive tree native the Eastern United States, commonly reaching 75-100' (it can reach 150'!) with a trunk diameter of 3-8' (record 16'); a wonderful and fast-growing shade tree its crowning features is its gorgeous exfoliating bark which flakes off to show shades of white, green and tan, large 3-5 lobed leaves turn a medium yellow in autumn at the same time the fuzzy brown seed balls ripen, as the leaves fall, the seed balls persist into winter before dropping; the wood is used commercially for butcher blocks and the Native Americans hollowed out the trunks to make dugout canoes. S/M-W