World Plants Logo

search the world

Woody > Platanus > Platanus x acerifolia > Platanus x acerifolia

Platanus x acerifolia


London Plane Tree




Origin:  In 1680 London, England P. x acerfolia was identified as a natural hybrid of P. occidentalis and P. orientalis.
            Mike's Opinion

this is Mike

"

Drought, salt, and pollution tolerant as well as the ability to grow with a small root zone. It is no surprise that in 1920, 60% of the trees planted in London, England were P. x acerfolia. It still remains a popular street tree throughout Europe.



Michael Pascoe, NDP., ODH., CLT., MSc. (Plant Conservation)

"

Family
Platanaceae
Genus
Platanus
Species
x acerifolia
Category
Woody
Pronunciation
USDA Hardiness Zone
5
Canadian Hardiness Zone
6
Temperature (°C)
-23 C
Temperature (°F)
-10 F
Height
25m
Spread
20m
Photographs
Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
April
General Description
The most common and widespread Plane Tree, P. x acerfolia has the best characteristics of both its parents.
Landscape
A great urban tree where crown space is available. It is tolerant of pollution, salt, and drought.
Cultivation
Easy to transplant and prefers moist, fertile soils in full sun. However, trees are adaptable.
Shape
In youth pyramidal and round, wide spreading as it matures.
Growth
Fast
ID Characteristic
Often confused with P. occidentalis, P. x acerfolia has paired fruits and leaf lobes that are roughly as long as they are wide.
Pests
Plane wilt (Ceratocytis platani).powdery mildew, American plum borer, sycamore lace bug, and anthracnose, although P. x acerfolia is more resistant then P. occidentalis.
Habitat
Horticultural origin.
Bark/Stem Description
Smooth brown green scales flake off to show the creamy yellow inner bark.
Flower/Leaf Bud Description
Single scaled, 6-10 mm, shiny red brown buds that never appear at twig tips.
Leaf Description
Maple like, 3-5 shallowly lobed, 13-25 cm across, few large teeth, shiny green with pale underside.
Flower Description
Unisexual with flower clusters on separate branchlets that bloom in April. Male flowers are 7-10 mm, yellow green, and appear on second year wood. Female flowers are 10-14 mm, red, and form in spring with leaves on the tips of older twigs.
Fruit Description
Slender stalks, 8-16 cm, hang as double yellow-brown balls 2-3.5 cm.
Colour Description
Green leaves in the summer that turn yellow in the autumn with red buds and multi coloured bark, P. x acerfolia has interest year round.
Texture Description
Coarse texture with its wide spreading zigzag branches.
Notable Specimens
Heritage Trees in Elgin County have noted a specimen at Elmdale Cemetery on Elm St, St Thomas, Ontario, Canada. National Trust Trelissick Garden, Feock, near Truro, Cornwall, United Kingdom.
Propagation
By hardwood cuttings in autumn, leafy softwood cuttings in spring, or seed; however seeds require light to germinate.
goToTop
top