Sycamore produces viable seed after six years

Abstract

In the early stages of any tree improvement program it is desirable to know how soon progenies of selected parents can themselves be included in a breeding program. How soon will they produce viable pollen and seed? In the case of sycamore (Platanus occidentalis L.), the information is meager: the Woody- Plant Seed Manual lists the minimum commercial seedbearing age for sycamore as 25 years.1 Four open-grown trees at Athens, Georgia, however, have produced viable seed during their sixth growing season.

Citation

Ike, A. F. Jr. 1966. Sycamore produces viable seed after six years. Research Note SFES-RN-62. Asheville, NC: USDA-Forest Service, Southeastern Forest Experiment Station. 2p.