In most years, cool wet weather during leaf emergence of sycamore (American planetree) in May, combined with the sycamore anthracnose fungal pathogen, results in trees that look dead and dying, as young leaves are killed aborning in the bud. Sadness ensues, but patience is a virtue in this case.
As the season progresses alternate leaf buds burst forth, the cool weather abates, the new leaves are thicker and less susceptible to infection, and the tree refoliates. This year I took pictures of the iconic sycamore on the storied College of Wooster campus in early June and again last week in early July, As per usual, all is now well.
Under The Sycamore Tree
Under the sycamore tree let us meet;
shelter a while from the afternoon heat.
Others make haste but we'll make our retreat
under the sycamore tree…
- Nick Baker.
