Cradle of Forestry Moon Tree

This first generation Moon Tree can be visited at the Cradle of Forestry, in Pisgah Forest, North Carolina, the birthplace of forestry and forestry education in the United States.

This tree grew from a seedling that was planted in 1976 at the Cradle of Forestry site in Pisgah Forest, North Carolina.

American sycamore trees can be found all over the eastern United States. These trees are largely found in bottomland forests. Bottomland forests are located around rivers or streams and are flooded frequently. Sycamore trees are found in such a large range because they are also planted as street trees in many communities.

American sycamore trees are deciduous. Deciduous trees lose their leaves at the end of their growing season. Sycamore trees are also one of the tallest trees in Eastern U.S. forests, ranging from 60 to 120 feet tall at maturity. American sycamore seeds are mainly dispersed by wind or water.

Sycamore trees are valuable timber trees. The wood from these trees is used in furniture, boxes, paper production, and particle board. Sycamore seeds are eaten by some birds, providing them with food. Older sycamore trees can form hollow trunks and cavities, providing wildlife with shelter.

1. Many years after this Moon Tree was planted, a seed was taken from it, grown into a seedling, and then planted at the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (PARI), a former NASA site. This seedling was planted there to commemorate the total solar eclipse in 2017.
2. Sycamore trees are valuable hardwood timber trees. Among all North American hardwood tree species, the American sycamore can grow to the largest size.