There are three species of maple that naturally occur in Europe: the field maple, sycamore, and European maple. Of these, the sycamore is the most commercially important and one of the most valuable native deciduous trees.

The wood is almost white to light yellow and has a strikingly uniform structure with mostly straight grain. The pale latewood shows a subtle wavy pattern or light streaks, giving it an elegant appearance. Additionally, the wood has a soft, silky sheen that is accentuated by fine grain lines.