| | TRR photo by Sandy Long
Appearing like a mask, this piece of bark from a sycamore tree was shed during a windy storm.
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Sycamore: Summer’s dappled shade, winter’s white silhouette
Sycamore trees are characterized by mottled pale bark that peels off in flakes, creating a unique mosaic-like pattern of gray, beige and green shades. The majestic trees are one of the largest eastern hardwoods, reaching heights up to 120 feet, with massive trunks and broad overarching crowns.
Also known as buttonwood and planetree, sycamores prefer wet soils along riverbanks and flood plains, as well as the edges of swamps, ponds and lakes. The fruit of the sycamore matures in autumn. Look for one-inch brown balls dangling from long stalks.
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