London Plane
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.