London Plane Tree
Platanus × hispanica
Formerly Platanus × acerifolia · also Platanus × hybrida
Also known as London Plane, Maple-leaved Plane-tree, American Plane
Climate Match for your location
See how well London Plane Tree grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
A large, vigorous shade tree with distinctive exfoliating bark that reveals creamy white and gray patches. Prized for urban landscaping, it tolerates air pollution and urban conditions well.
Why grow it
London Plane offers superior pollution tolerance compared to native sycamores or other large shade trees, making it practical for urban and suburban sites with poor air quality. Its rapid growth and broad canopy provide substantial shade in 15-20 years, while the exfoliating bark provides visual interest year-round without requiring chemical treatment. It establishes well in compacted soils where many ornamental trees struggle.
Watch out for
The tree sheds considerable bark and seed balls throughout the year, requiring regular cleanup in manicured landscapes. Branch crotches tend toward narrow angles, so young trees benefit from structural pruning to reduce future limb failure risk in storms. It prefers deep, well-draining soil and consistent moisture during establishment, and performs poorly in poorly drained clay without soil amendment.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Platanaceae
Native Range
hybrid of American and Oriental plane trees
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
pH Range
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A large, vigorous shade tree with distinctive exfoliating bark that reveals creamy white and gray patches. Prized for urban landscaping, it tolerates air pollution and urban conditions well.
Climate Match for your location
See how well London Plane Tree grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
London Plane offers superior pollution tolerance compared to native sycamores or other large shade trees, making it practical for urban and suburban sites with poor air quality. Its rapid growth and broad canopy provide substantial shade in 15-20 years, while the exfoliating bark provides visual interest year-round without requiring chemical treatment. It establishes well in compacted soils where many ornamental trees struggle.
Watch out for
The tree sheds considerable bark and seed balls throughout the year, requiring regular cleanup in manicured landscapes. Branch crotches tend toward narrow angles, so young trees benefit from structural pruning to reduce future limb failure risk in storms. It prefers deep, well-draining soil and consistent moisture during establishment, and performs poorly in poorly drained clay without soil amendment.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Platanaceae
Native Range
hybrid of American and Oriental plane trees
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
pH Range
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar canopy trees you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.