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London plane

This is the tree of London streets, but despite its name it isn't a native tree. It is widely planted in towns and cities because it seems to thrive in highly pressured urban environments which other trees cannot cope with.

What other names does it have?

Generic namePlane
Latin namePlatanus x hispanica (platanus x acerfolia)
Family namePlane
Latin family namePlatanaceae

What type of tree is it?

Is it a broadleaf or conifer?It is a broadleaf
Does it lose its leaves in autumn?Yes, it is deciduous

Species description:

Average height18-35m

Leaf

DescriptionThese thick leathery leaves generally have five triangular lobes, with each lobe having at least three teeth/serrations on each side. However the leaves are very variable having more or less lobes and teeth
ShapePalmate
SizeAverage around 20cm long and wide, though highly variable
ColourDeep green
Colour of leaves in autumnYellow to orange
Leaf budSmooth cones with red tips.
Leaf stalkLong stalk
Leaf arrangementAlternate

Flower, seed, and fruit

Type of flowerOther
Flowering seasonMay-June
Tree/flower sexBoth sexes
Fruit colourGolden brown when ripe
Fruit seasonLate autumn -winter
Seeds dispersed by
  • Wind

Bark and twig

Bark descriptionOlive green-grey with hand sized scaly plates which are often lost to reveal creamy bark underneath
Twig DescriptionYoung twigs are green/brown

What other trees are similar?

Can easily be confused with?Maples- but these have opposite leaves

Where is it usually found?

Is it native or non-native to the British Isles?Non-native - commonly planted
Where is its natural range?Thought to be a hybrid of two other planes from Spain or France but this is much contested and debated
Preferred soil type or environmental conditions?Tolerates a wide range of soils and conditions- even thriving in major cities with pollution and compacted soil.
What is its British conservation status?Common

Additional information

Is any part of the tree poisonous?The seeds and flower pollen can be irritant to some people
Human uses of tree and timberThe tree is widely planted as an attractive street tree in large cities. Most London streets contain some London planes and they are common in cities across the UK. The wood used to be popular for veeners as it is a very attractive golden brown colour with darker brown flecks.
Tree lore and folkloreThe origin of this tree has been much debated and there are various theories. The dominant theory appears to be that it is the offspring, or hybrid, of two other plane trees- the oriental plane and the American plane.

Long bole, coloured flakes

Leaf variable home, fruit

Illustrations supplied by
Collins

Collins Tree Guide