Sycamore
Acer pseudoplatanus
Not always a popular tree with environmentalists because it grows very vigorously and may take over from native species in a woodland. However, because of its rapid growth and hard white wood it is a good tree for rapid hardwood production, for firewood and is used for furniture. Sycamorewill also grow in exposed sites even beside the sea where other trees would fail, and so it has its place.
It is easily grown from seed, which should be collected in the autumn and sown immediately in damp loam just covering the seeds with soil. Unfortunately, the seed and the young trees are very vulnerable to attack by grey squirrels.
There are other Acer species, the maples, which include some very ornamental varieties with colourful autumn foliage.