London plane
Platanus × acerifolia · Platanaceae · also London planetree, Hybrid plane
A huge, fast shade tree with cream, olive and tan camouflage bark that flakes off in plates, big maple-like leaves and paired bristly seed balls that hang through winter. It tolerates pollution, compacted soil and hard pruning better than almost any large tree, which is why it is the dominant street tree in London, New York, Paris and many other cities. It is also messy, lifts sidewalks with its roots and gets anthracnose in wet springs; disease-resistant cultivars ('Bloodgood', 'Columbia', 'Liberty', 'Exclamation!', 'Yarwood') are the ones to plant.
Where it stands
Native
- 🇪🇸 Spain · Hybrid of garden origin (Platanus occidentalis × P. orientalis), probably first raised in Spain or southern France.source
Adapted
- 🇨🇦 Canada · Planted as a street tree in southern Ontario and British Columbia; USDA PLANTS lists it as introduced in Canada.source
- 🇺🇸 United States · Introduced; one of the most planted street trees in US cities, hardy in zones 4 to 9. USDA PLANTS (as Platanus ×hispanica) lists it as introduced.source
Care
Plant in full sun with room for a 60 ft crown and water deeply through establishment. Prune in the dormant season; it tolerates pollarding but that commits you to repeating it. Anthracnose, powdery mildew, canker stain (fatal, spread by tools) and lace bug are the main problems; disinfect pruning tools and rake fallen leaves. The fine hairs on leaves and fruit can irritate airways.
Benefits
Good for