It is a tough tree, withstanding exposure and industrial pollution and salt-laden winds along the coasts. It is a useful windbreak both round upland farms and in coastal areas. In spring, the small pale green flowers hang in clusters. Along with field maple and limes, sycamore is the only common tree with insect pollinated flowers and is a vital source of pollen and nectar for bees. When ripe, they spin away from the parent tree in the autumn wind.
Aphids feeding on the leaves drop large quantities of honeydew.
Sycamore timber is creamy-white, clean and free from unpleasant smells or tastes, making it ideal for uses associated with food. It is widely used for furniture making and joinery and is excellent for flooring. The tarspot fungus, common on the leaves, does no major damage apart from reducing the photosynthetic area. The grey-green bark is thin and smooth in young trees, turning flaky in older ones and is often stripped off by the alien grey squirrel. Entire trees or tree-tops are often killed.