Common Name:  London Plane

Scientific Name: Platanus  x acerifolia

Location: Main Park near serpentine walls. Approximately six London Planes grow in this area.

Size: 46 inches diameter at breast height

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Native to:  Hybrid cross between the American Sycamore and Oriental Planetree

This tree typically grows to:  75-100 feet tall and 60-75 feet wide 

This tree prefers these conditions:  Medium to wet; full sun.

Special about this tree:  

• This large shade tree is common in cultivation, and is able to withstand many urban conditions. It needs a lot of space.
• Large leaves can be up to 9 inches. They turn an undistinguished yellow in fall.
• Brownish gray bark of mature trees peels away to reveal olive green and cream inner bark.
• Fruit is generally borne in pairs of 1.5-inch diameter prickly balls.
• Trunk can reach 4- to 8 feet diameter.
• Tree creates litter from large leaves, seed balls and twigs.
• Resistant to deer browse.
• Distinguish from the American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis):
• Sycamore is more commonly found in natural settings, such as wet woodlands.
• Sycamore leaves have shallower sinuses.
• Sycamore seeds generally are borne singly.
• Sycamore inner bark is more white or cream, not olive.

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