Sycamore (Fig. 256) is just coming to be appreciated as an ornamental wood capable of charming effects in cabinet work and interior finishing, especially with quarter-sawed stock; though for parts less exposed to view, such as the inside of drawers, and for cooperage and boxes it is extensively used on account of its stiffness and strength.

Fig. 256. American Sycamore or Buttonwood (Platanus occidentalis, Plane tree Family, Platanaceoe). A, flowering branch; at a staminate flower clusters, at b pistillate flower clusters, and at n the tubular stipules. B, pistillate flower, enlarged. C, staminate flower after loss of the anthers. D, floral diagram. E, stamen of Mexican sycamore. F, ovary, cut vertically. G, fruit, cut vertically. H K, hairs from leaf, magnified. L, M, fruit hairs, magnified. (Schoenland, Niedenzu.) Tree growing 40 m. tall; bark, cream colored with patches of brown; leaves hairy; flowers greenish; fruit brownish. Native home, Eastern States.

Fig. 256.-American Sycamore or Buttonwood (Platanus occidentalis, Plane-tree Family, Platanaceoe). A, flowering branch; at a staminate flower-clusters, at b pistillate flower-clusters, and at n the tubular stipules. B, pistillate flower, enlarged. C, staminate flower after loss of the anthers. D, floral diagram. E, stamen of Mexican sycamore. F, ovary, cut vertically. G, fruit, cut vertically. H-K, hairs from leaf, magnified. L, M, fruit hairs, magnified. (Schoenland, Niedenzu.) -Tree growing 40 m. tall; bark, cream-colored with patches of brown; leaves hairy; flowers greenish; fruit brownish. Native home, Eastern States.