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(Platanus orientalis)
Old World Sycamore (Platanus orientalis)
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Mohammad Amin Ghaffari
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Mohammad Amin Ghaffari
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Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Mohammad Amin Ghaffari | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Mohammad Amin Ghaffari | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-09-04T14:36:43-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Platanus orientalis, commonly known as the Old World Sycamore or Oriental Plane, is a deciduous tree that can reach heights of 30 meters (98 feet) or more, and is notable for its longevity and expansive, spreading crown. This species is native to riparian zones, floodplains, and wetlands across Europe and Western Asia, where it thrives alongside rivers and streams. The Oriental Plane typically exhibits a broad, rounded form with a thick trunk and a large canopy, providing significant shade. Its leaves are large, palmate, and deep green, turning to shades of blood red, amber, and yellow in the autumn. The bark is usually exfoliating, revealing a mosaic of colors beneath, though it can sometimes become thick and rugged with age. The flowers are inconspicuous, but the fruit is distinctive, with round, burr-like clusters that persist into winter.
The Oriental Plane is valued for its ability to provide dense shade, making it a popular choice for urban parks and large gardens. It is also used as a street tree in cities due to its tolerance of pollution and compacted soils. This tree is adaptable to a range of soil types, preferring rich, well-drained soils, and although it can withstand drought, young plants benefit from regular watering. Full sun exposure is ideal for its growth. Gardeners should be aware that the tree’s aggressive root system can damage pavements and foundations, and it may produce a large amount of leaf litter. There are no major disease concerns, but it can occasionally suffer from anthracnose or plane tree lace bug.CC BY-SA 4.0
The Oriental Plane is valued for its ability to provide dense shade, making it a popular choice for urban parks and large gardens. It is also used as a street tree in cities due to its tolerance of pollution and compacted soils. This tree is adaptable to a range of soil types, preferring rich, well-drained soils, and although it can withstand drought, young plants benefit from regular watering. Full sun exposure is ideal for its growth. Gardeners should be aware that the tree’s aggressive root system can damage pavements and foundations, and it may produce a large amount of leaf litter. There are no major disease concerns, but it can occasionally suffer from anthracnose or plane tree lace bug.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 60-80 feet
- Width: 50-70 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium, High
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Native to riparian zones, floodplains, and wetlands across Europe and Western Asia
Other Names
Common Names: Oriental Plane, Oriental Planetree, Chenar, Morgenländische Platane, Platane D’Orient, Orientalisk Platan, 버즘나무, San Qiu Xuan Ling Mu
Scientific Names: , Platanus orientalis, Platanus vulgaris, Platanus intermedia, Platanus cuneata, Platanus orientalis var. cuneata, Platanus orientalis f. digitata, Platanus digitata, Platanus vitifolia, Platanus insularis
GBIF Accepted Name: Platanus orientalis L.