Q: We are curious to know the identity of a tree we saw in a park, surviving the Southwest climate that has leaves that look like a maple and a round spiky seed pod. Can you tell us?

The sycamore tree is one of the most recognizable giants of nature. From its peeling bark to its broad leaves, it carries ...

It is also a very long-lived species — up to 500 years and more. Three-foot diameter trees are not uncommon, and these would ...