The American Sycamore, a very fast-growing tree, is one of the species of Platanus native to North America. It is easily distinguished by its peeling bark, which leaves the surface mottled. The bark peels because it has no elasticity. As the tree grows, the bark sheds because it cannot expand with the tree. The inflorescence consists of a cluster of tiny dark red and green flowers. The fruit is a brown ball, hanging singly from a slender stem. The wood of the American sycamore is used for butchers’ blocks, boxes, crates, furniture, and occasionally musical instruments. It may lose many leaves in the spring, but it will normally survive.