11 Jul London Plane Tree
London Plane Tree (Platanus x hispanica)
The London plane, a hybrid of the American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) and the Oriental plane (Platanus orientalis), is one of the most recognisable and enduring trees of the urban landscape. Growing up to 35 meters tall, with a broad, domed crown and a sturdy, upright trunk, it is renowned for its resilience in polluted environments and for its striking appearance.
The London plane has a relatively recent origin, believed to have emerged in the 17th century from hybridisation between its American and Oriental parent species in a European garden. It quickly gained favour for its resilience and adaptability, and by the 18th and 19th centuries, it had become the tree of choice for city planners – especially in London, where it found its name and fame. During the Industrial Revolution, its unique ability to tolerate air pollution and poor soil conditions made it indispensable in smoggy, soot-laden cities. Unlike many trees, the London plane could not only survive but thrive where few others could, and it has become a cultural emblem of Victorian city planning, urban renewal, and environmental resilience.
Though mainly valued today for its role in urban greening, the London plane does have practical uses. Its timber, known as lacewood due to its decorative grain, is used for veneers, cabinetry, and fine woodworking. However, it is rarely harvested commercially due to its status as a street and amenity tree. Its real worth lies in its ability to improve urban air quality and microclimates. The tree’s large leaves filter pollutants, trap particulates, and provide crucial shade, helping to cool cities during heatwaves. It also supports biodiversity, providing nesting sites for birds and shelter for insects in even the most built-up areas. Its presence in boulevards, parks, and squares across Europe makes it a living part of modern history.
Appearance and Identification
The London Plane is easily recognised by its distinctive bark, which flakes away in irregular patches to reveal a smooth, pale mosaic of cream, olive, and grey-green underneath. This camouflage-like appearance isn’t just ornamental—it helps the tree shed pollutants, a key reason it thrives in polluted urban environments.
Plane Tree bark
The leaves are large, maple-like and deeply lobed, turning yellow and brown in the autumn. The tree’s inconspicuous flowers appear in spring, developing into small, spiky balls of seeds that hang in pairs or clusters and often persist through winter.
Plane Tree leaves
Propagation and Control
London plane trees are uniquely adapted to urban life. They tolerate compacted soils, air pollution, salt, drought, and pruning – attributes that make them ideal for pavements, parks, and avenues. While not fussy about soil type, they prefer deep, well-drained ground and sunny aspects for best growth. Generally hardy and low-maintenance, London planes can be affected by plane anthracnose, a fungal disease that causes leaf drop and twig dieback in spring. However, the tree usually recovers quickly and continues to grow vigorously through the summer.
Though not native or wild in the traditional sense, the London plane still requires thoughtful management. In some cities, concerns have been raised about their dominance in the streetscape, prompting efforts to diversify urban tree populations to build resilience against pests, diseases, and climate extremes. That said, the London plane remains a foundational species in many urban planting schemes.
Source and Reference Materials
Information detailed in this post has been obtained from the author’s own knowledge and photographic library where possible. Additional source of information and photographs include:
Van den Berk, B.V. (2004). Van den Berk on Trees. Van den Berk Nurseries.