London Plane Tree

Platanus x hispanica
Family: Platanaceae
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London Plane Trees	London Plane Tree Bark
London Plane Tree Leaf	London Plane Tree Seed Pod www.wikipedia.com

Classification:

- Angiosperm, Dicot, deciduous

Size:

- 60-100 ft. tall
- 80 ft. spread

Identifying Features:

The bark, which sloughs (sheds) as the plant gets older, has an interesting mosaic pattern of olive green, cream, and light brown. The leaves are large (6-7" long and up to 10" across) and maple-like, with 3-5 lobes per leaf. In the autumn the leaves, which turn yellowish to brown, along with shed twigs and seed balls, can create quite a mess on the ground around the tree. Ball shaped yellow or brown seed clusters hang on threadlike stalks through winter. The trunk is tall, heavy, and strait with upright and spreading branches, forming an overall rounded shape.

Location/Habitat:

Although best in deep, moist, fertile soil, one can find the very adaptable London Plane Tree in almost any habitat, as they grow well under a variety of conditions:

Deciduous
Clay, Loam, or Sand
Highly acidic to highly alkaline soil

The London Plane Tree's resistance to pollution, soot, drought, dust, wind, reflected heat, and compacted soils makes it good for city parks. It is native to North America.

Flower/Fruit/Reproduction:

Prized in winter arrangements, the London Plane Tree's seeds are grouped in small ball-shaped clusters that hang from bare branches on slender, thread-like stalks throughout the winter. Blooming in April, the London Plane Tree is monoecious, with male and female flowers separated. The flowers have no ornamental purpose for attracting pollinators. The fruit is about 1" in diameter and is borne in twos and threes. Propagation can occur through both cuttings and seeds.

Water/Sun Requirements:

Again, the London Plane Tree is found in a large range of conditions

Moderate to regular water (wet to dry soil)
Full sun to partial shade

Special Adaptations:

The London Plane Tree is more resistant (although still subject) to sycamore anthracnose. It is however, susceptible to powdery mildew, sycamore lacebug, and the American plum borer.

Other Info:

Commonly mistaken as a normal sycamore, the London Plane Tree is a cross between the American sycamore and the Oriental planetree
Growth Rate: 36 inches per season
Longevity: 150+ years, but often cut short by disease
High biogenic emissions
Relatively strong branches, especially for such a fast growing tree
Easily transplanted