London Planetree

Scientific Name:
Platanus x acerifolia

Average height at maturity:
70 to 100 feet

Average width of canopy at maturity
65 to 80 feet:

Leaves and bark:

The London Planetree has bright green leaves with 3 to 5 lobes. These leaves are 6 to 7 inches long and are untoothed at the edges. In autumn, the leaves turn yellow-brown.
The London Planetree’s bark has a combination of gray-brown scales and a creamy olive inner bark.

Other fun and interesting facts:

The London planetree is a cross (a mix of multiple species) between the American sycamore and the oriental planetree.
The London planetree can be confused with the sycamore due to a similar bark pattern and similar leaves.
London planetrees have been planted in many cities due to their resistance to pollution.
The fruits of the London planetree and sycamore are similar, but the London planetree grows its fruit clusters in groups of two to three while the sycamore grows its fruit in singular clusters.
The London planetree is resistant to anthracnose (which is a common fungal disease that affects shade trees).
A 24 inch London planetree (like the ones in Wood Park) can intercept 3,209 gallons of stormwater runoff in a year.
It can also reduce atmospheric carbon by 769 pounds.
Look for London planetrees lining the large playground and the parking lot at Wood Park. London planetrees can also be found along many streets in Leonia.

Sources:

Photo Credit to Ben Leynse
Information compiled as part of Robert Slater’s 2023 Eagle Scout Project

LEAVES	BARK

Tree Tour - London Planetree

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