1. Native / Non-native Status
Non-native hybrid, believed to be a cross between the Oriental plane (Platanus orientalis) and American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis). Introduced to Britain in the 17th century, now widely planted in towns and cities.
2. Evergreen / Deciduous
Deciduous – sheds its leaves each autumn.
3. Appearance
Leaves: Large (10–25 cm), broad, maple-like leaves with 3–5 pointed lobes. Glossy green in summer, turning yellow-brown in autumn. Arranged alternately along the twig.
Bark: Very distinctive – smooth, pale grey-green bark that flakes away in irregular patches, creating a mottled, camouflage effect of cream, olive, and brown.
Flowers/Fruit/Seeds: Tiny flowers appear in spring, followed by spiky, ball-like seed clusters (“conker balls”) that hang on long stalks, usually in pairs, lasting into winter.
Overall shape: A very tall, broad tree with a high, spreading crown. Often pruned/pollarded in urban settings.
4. Typical Size
17–22 m tall on average, but can reach over 40 m in the right conditions.
5. Habitat & Range
Thrives in urban environments throughout the UK. Usually planted along streets, in parks, squares, and avenues. Highly tolerant of pollution, compacted soils, and pruning.
6. Distinctive Features (ID tips)
“Camouflage” bark peeling in plates.
Large, maple-like leaves.
Round, spiky seed balls hanging on long stalks.
Massive size and presence in cities.
7. Seasonal Changes
Spring: Fresh green leaves unfurl; flowers form.
Summer: Dense, shady green canopy.
Autumn: Leaves turn yellow-brown before falling; seed balls ripen.
Winter: Bare branches reveal mottled bark and hanging seed balls.
8. Human Uses
Planted widely as a pollution-tolerant urban tree; filters soot and dust by shedding bark.
Provides shade in streets and squares.
Timber is tough and used for furniture, flooring, and veneers (sometimes called “lacewood”).
9. Wildlife Value
Less valuable to insects than many native species, but seeds are eaten by small birds.
Provides nesting sites for urban birds and roosts for bats.
Dense canopy offers shelter for city wildlife.
10. Fun Fact / Cultural Note
London plane is one of the most common city trees worldwide because of its toughness.
Many were planted in London after the Great Fire of London (1666) because they grow quickly and withstand pollution.
Its ability to shed bark helps rid the tree of pollutants, making it ideal for industrial cities.
11. Planting & Care (Basic Instructions)
Best time to plant: Late autumn or early spring.
Soil: Very tolerant – grows in clay, loam, or sandy soils; prefers moist but well-drained. Neutral to alkaline pH ideal.
Light: Prefers full sun but copes with partial shade.
Watering: Water regularly for the first 2–3 years; drought-tolerant once established.
Spacing: Needs plenty of room; ideally allow 8–12 m between trees in avenues.
Aftercare: Mulch around the base to conserve moisture. Stake young trees if exposed. Prune only in late winter to shape or control size – very tolerant of pollarding.