Historic Lansdowne Sycamore Tree

“It's a wonder to see!”  “Magnificent!”   These were the remarks repeated over and over by the visitors who greeted the old sycamore tree in Lansdowne on Arbor Day,   Friday,  April 29.

Estimated to be 380 years old, the historic survivor from William Penn's time is the reigning star on a residential street - 47 E. LaCrosse Ave. - 2 blocks east of Lansdowne Ave. near Wycombe Ave.

Proudly the tree shoots up 108 ft. toward the sky and boasts a crown spread of 129 ft., all supported by a mighty sturdy trunk which measures 22 ft. in circumference.

Presently its leaves have not grown to their full size,  5 to 7 inches across,  and to their tough texture.  Sycamores mature later. Its outstretched branches sincerely express a warm welcome.  One large impressively low branch almost touches the ground and encourages the visitor to touch.

Back in 1997 this property, which has always been the tree's habitat, was dedicated as the Lansdowne Historic Sycamore Tree Park and is open to the public. A private home was removed the year prior.

This American sycamore is reported to be in remarkable good health. Apparently it's location, location, location.  Old records reveal the seed fell to the ground in an excellent place because it took root near an underground spring.  Sycamores, which thrive in moist soil, are trees of bottomlands and floodplains.

Various estimates place the tree as the second or third largest tree in Pennsylvania.  It has escaped destruction and damage from the numerous storms in the borough which have destroyed many trees.  This graceful tree has continued to grow and to provide a stunning scene to onlookers. 

It is a wonder to see!