London Plane
(Platanus ×acerifolia)
London Plane (Platanus ×acerifolia)
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Bri Weldon
CC BY 2.0
Image By:
Bri Weldon
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CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Bri Weldon | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: briweldon | Publisher: Flickr
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Platanus ×acerifolia, commonly known as London Plane, is a deciduous tree resulting from the hybridization of two sycamore species: Platanus occidentalis from Eastern North America and Platanus orientalis from Eurasia. It typically grows to a height of 60-100 feet (18-30 meters) and a width of 30-40 feet (9-12 meters). The London Plane is renowned for its ability to thrive in urban environments, particularly for its high tolerance to atmospheric pollution and root compaction, making it an ideal choice for street planting and urban greening projects. Its bark is distinctive, with a jigsaw-like pattern that exfoliates to reveal a creamy white inner bark, adding to its ornamental value.
The London Plane is valued for its large, maple-like leaves that turn yellow-brown in the fall, providing moderate autumn interest. It produces inconspicuous yellow flowers in the spring, followed by spiky seed balls that persist into winter, offering some visual interest. This tree is often used in urban settings for its robust nature and ability to withstand challenging conditions, including pollution and poor soil compaction. It prefers full sun but can tolerate part shade, and while it adapts to a range of soil types, it performs best in soils with medium to fast drainage. Regular watering is important, especially in drier climates. Gardeners should be aware of potential issues such as anthracnose and plane tree lace bug, though the London Plane is generally a low-maintenance tree once established.CC BY-SA 4.0
The London Plane is valued for its large, maple-like leaves that turn yellow-brown in the fall, providing moderate autumn interest. It produces inconspicuous yellow flowers in the spring, followed by spiky seed balls that persist into winter, offering some visual interest. This tree is often used in urban settings for its robust nature and ability to withstand challenging conditions, including pollution and poor soil compaction. It prefers full sun but can tolerate part shade, and while it adapts to a range of soil types, it performs best in soils with medium to fast drainage. Regular watering is important, especially in drier climates. Gardeners should be aware of potential issues such as anthracnose and plane tree lace bug, though the London Plane is generally a low-maintenance tree once established.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 60-100 feet
- Width: 30-40 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium, High
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Hybrid of Platanus occidentalis and Platanus orientalis, with a distinctive bark and tolerance to urban stressors, producing yellow flowers followed by spiky seed balls
Other Names
Common Names: London Plane
Scientific Names: Platanus ×acerifolia , Platanus hispanica , Platanus ×hybrida , Platanus ×hispanicus , Platanus acerifolia var. minor , Platanus orientalis var. acerifolia , Platanus ×hispanica var. pyramidata , Platanus ×cantabrigensis , Platanus ×parviloba , Platanus ×acerifolia f. pyramidalis
GBIF Accepted Name: Platanus ×hybrida Brot.