 The sycamore can grow to a height of about 35 m ( 115 ft ) and the branches form a broad , rounded crown . The bark is grey , smooth when young and later flaking in irregular patches . The leaves grow on long leafstalks and are large and palmate , with 5 large radiating lobes . The flowers are greenish @-@ yellow and hang in dangling flowerheads called panicles . They produce copious amounts of pollen and nectar that are attractive to insects . The winged seeds or samaras are borne in pairs and twirl to the ground when ripe . They germinate freely in the following spring . 
