The sycamore tree fruit matures in small, brown balls that dangle from the branch. The ball, which isn’t a single fruit, is instead a collection of many tiny seed-like fruits called achenes, which have dense hair-like structures attached. The balls are light as a feather and can float on water, which is useful in dispersal.

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Although they are the main way of starting a new Sycamore tree, sycamore balls have a variety of other uses. They are produced in the winter and can be found in the spring.

One of the most popular uses for these balls is making ornaments for the holidays. There are also other uses, including rolling them in a mixture that will allow seeds to stick to them. They can be hung outdoors to feed birds in the winter. Although not popular In modern times, the fruit of a sycamore tree is also eatable by humans and has a history of medicinal uses. These balls also make good compost.