London plane Platanus × hispanica

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Not blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Platanus × hispanica, also known as London plane, is a hybrid tree that is a cross between Platanus orientalis and Platanus occidentalis.
It is a large tree that can grow up to 80 feet tall and 50 feet wide. The bark is smooth and light gray when young and becomes furrowed and dark gray as the tree matures. The leaves are large, broad and palmate, with 3-5 lobes. They are glossy green on top and paler green underneath.
The tree has a broad, spreading canopy. It produces clusters of small, inconspicuous flowers in the spring and summer, followed by small, round fruit that hang in pendulous clusters. In the fall, the leaves turn yellow, orange or brown before falling off.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Platanaceae
- Synonyms
  London planetree, London plane tree, Maple-leaved plane
- Common names
  Platanus × acerifolia, Platanus × hybrida
Toxicity
- To humans
  Platanus × hispanica is not known to be toxic to humans when ingested or when in contact with skin.
  However, it can cause some allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. It is also known that the pollen from Platanus × hispanica can cause hay fever in people who are allergic to it.
- To pets
  Platanus × hispanica is not known to be toxic to animals when ingested.
  However, as with any plant, it is important to note that animals may have different reactions to different plants and it's always good to monitor the animal after they have come into contact with the plant.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green; yellow in the fall
- Flower color
  Greenish-yellow
- Height
  Up to 80 feet
- Spread
  Up to 50 feet
- Plant type
  Tree
- Hardiness zones
  5
- Native area
  Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa.

Benefits

General Benefits
Platanus × hispanica is a large, beautiful tree that can provide shade and aesthetic appeal to any landscape;
This plant is known to be effective in purifying the air and removing pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, ozone and particulate matter;
London plane is a hardy tree that can tolerate a wide range of climatic conditions, making it suitable for planting in various regions;
Platanus × hispanica has deep roots that can help to stabilize soil and prevent erosion;
The tree provides food and shelter for wildlife such as birds, squirrels, and butterflies;
Platanus × hispanica can absorb and store a significant amount of carbon which can help to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere;
London plane is a valuable tree for urban forestry, providing many benefits to the community and economy such as increased property values, tourism and recreation opportunities.
Air-purifying Qualities
Studies have shown that Platanus × hispanica is effective in removing certain pollutants from the air.
For example, a study conducted in Spain found that Platanus × hispanica was able to remove up to 90% of particulate matter from the air, and another study conducted in the United Kingdom found that Platanus × hispanica was able to remove up to 80% of sulfur dioxide from the air.
Other Uses
The wood of Platanus × hispanica is hard and strong, which makes it a good choice for making musical instruments such as guitars, lutes and harps;
The inner bark of Platanus × hispanica can be used to make paper, it was used in the past to produce a type of parchment known as "chartae plataninae";
Platanus × hispanica is a popular tree for use in urban landscapes due to its tolerance of pollution and compact root system, which makes it well-suited for use as street furniture such as benches and tables;
The bark of Platanus × hispanica is often used in art, the tree's bark can be used to create interesting textures and patterns that can be used in a variety of art forms;
The bark of Platanus × hispanica is also used in traditional basketry, it can be woven into baskets, mats, and other items.

Interesting Facts

Zodiac Sign Compitability
TAURUS, SCORPIO, CAPRICORN
London plane tree is known for its strength, resilience, and longevity. These qualities may be associated with certain zodiac signs such as Taurus, Scorpio and Capricorn that are known for their determination and endurance.
Plant Symbolism
London plane tree is often associated with urban environments and city life.
Its ability to thrive in difficult conditions, such as pollution and compacted soil, may be seen as a symbol of adaptability and resilience. Its large size and broad canopy may also be seen as a symbol of protection and shelter.

💧

Once a week

Water

☀️

20000 - 50000 Lux

Light

💦️

40%

Humidity

🪴

Repotting

🌱️

Spring

Propogation

✂️️

Late winter - early spring

Pruning

Water
During the growing season, London plane should be watered regularly to keep the soil consistently moist.
Watering once a week is generally sufficient, but more frequent watering may be necessary during periods of hot or dry weather. It is important not to over-water Platanus × hispanica as it can lead to root rot.
Light
London plane is a hardy tree that can tolerate a wide range of lighting conditions, from full sun to partial shade. However, it does best in full sun to partial shade, it prefers a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature
Platanus × hispanica is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from -10 to 100 °F. It is also well adapted to withstand the heat of summer and cold of winter.
Pruning
Pruning Platanus × hispanica is important for maintaining its shape, removing dead or damaged branches, and promoting healthy new growth. It is best to prune in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. It is important to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches as soon as they are noticed. This will prevent the spread of disease and pests. When pruning, make sure to cut back to a healthy lateral branch or bud. Avoid leaving stubs as they can lead to decay and attract pests. Also, it is important to remove any crossing branches as they can rub against each other and cause damage.
Soil
Platanus × hispanica is adaptable to a wide range of soil types, but prefers well-drained, moist soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. It is also tolerant of clay, loam, and sandy soils as long as they are well-draining.
Humidity & Misting
Platanus × hispanica is relatively tolerant of humidity levels, but prefers moderate humidity.
It can tolerate dry air, but excessive dryness can cause the leaves to turn brown and fall off.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Not growing
- Outdoor
  Platanus × hispanica is typically grown outdoors as it is a large tree that requires a lot of space.
  It is a hardy tree that can tolerate a wide range of climates and soil types. It prefers full sun, but can tolerate some shade. It is also tolerant of drought and air pollution, making it a good choice for urban landscapes.
  When planting, it is important to provide the tree with well-draining soil, and to give it enough space to grow and develop properly.
- Hardiness zone
  USDA 6 - 12
Life cycle
The London plane tree begins its life as a seed, which germinates when it comes into contact with water and the appropriate temperature. Germination typically takes between 7-14 days.
Once germinated, the seedling begins to develop roots and leaves. At this stage, the tree is highly dependent on water and light to survive.
As the tree grows, it enters the sapling stage. At this stage, the tree is starting to develop a more distinct trunk and branches. It is still dependent on water and light, but is becoming more self-sufficient.
Once the tree reaches maturity, it is fully grown and self-sufficient. At this stage, the tree is able to reproduce, producing flowers and seeds.
Eventually, the tree will begin to decline and enter the senescence stage. The tree may die back, lose its leaves, and no longer produce flowers or seeds.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring
- By SEEDS:
  The easiest and most common method of propagating the London plane tree is through seed. The seeds are collected in fall, when the tree's fruit or samara are ripe. The seeds can be sown immediately or stored in a cool, dry place until spring. Germination typically takes 7-14 days.
  By ROOT CUTTINGS:
  Another way to propagate the London plane tree is through root cuttings. This method involves taking a cutting of a mature tree's roots and planting them in soil. This method is typically done in late fall or early winter.
  By GRAFTING:
  Grafting is a method of propagating the London plane tree by attaching a cutting from one tree to the rootstock of another. This method is typically done in late winter or early spring.
  By AIR LAYERING:
  Air layering is a method of propagating the London plane tree by rooting a stem while it is still attached to the parent tree. This method is typically done in late spring or early summer.