The London planetree ( Platanus × acerifolia) is a very large deciduous tree that is quite resilient in urban conditions. This hybrid tree resulted from a cross between two sycamore species: Platanus occidentalis (American sycamore) and Platanus orientalis (Oriental plane).
What is a London plane tree?
The London plane tree is a hybrid plant, a cross between the American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) and the Oriental plane tree (Platanus orientalis).
What is the difference between a sycamore and a London planetree?
The sycamore is one of the parents of the hybrid London planetree (Platanus x acerifolia), hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8. The London planetree and the sycamore are very similar, but a few notable differences exist between the two. A sycamore canopy can have a spread of 75 to 100 feet, while the London planetree canopy grows only 65 to 80 feet wide.
Where did the London sycamore tree come from?
The hybridization of the London planetree is thought to have occurred accidentally sometime during the 17th century in either Spain or London when the American sycamore and Oriental planetree were planted close to one another. Since then, several cultivars have been developed.
What is a London planetree tree?
The London planetree is believed to have resulted from a cross between the Oriental planetree and the American sycamore. While the exact details of the tree’s origin have been lost over time, it was discovered that this hybrid could tolerate the smoke and grime of London.
Are sycamore and London plane trees the same?
London plane-tree may be distinguished from the closely related American sycamore by the number of fruit clusters, and the bark. London plane-tree typically bears its round fruit clusters in groups of 2, while American sycamore usually bears solitary fruit clusters.
Are plane trees the same as sycamore trees?
The sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus), often called sycamore, plane, or mock plane, is distinct (see maple). The American plane tree, or sycamore (P. occidentalis), also known as buttonwood, buttonball, or whitewood, is the tallest, sometimes reaching a height of more than 50 m (160 feet).
What kind of tree is a London plane?
A real city slicker, the London plane is the capital's most common tree. As a hybrid of American sycamore and Oriental plane, it was first discovered in the 17th century then widely planted in the 18th. The London plane is thought to be a cross between the Oriental plane and the American sycamore.
What's another name for a sycamore tree?
The sycamore maple, or mock plane (Acer pseudoplatanus), is sometimes also called, simply, sycamore.
Are there different types of sycamore trees?
London planePlatanus orientalisAmerican sycamoreWestern sycamorePlatanus kerriiPlane trees/Lower classifications
What kind of tree is a sycamore tree?
Sycamore trees are flowering trees in the plant genus Platanus and the family Platanaceae. Sycamore trees are often known as plane trees. These massive broad-leafed trees grow to between 100 and 130 ft.
Do London plane trees cause allergies?
An informal study conducted by academics in Sydney, Australia tested people who claimed to be allergic to London plane trees. It found that while 86 percent of the people tested were allergic to something, only about 25 percent were allergic to plane trees.
Is London plane tree good for firewood?
Excellent firewood. Tends to have a very high moisture content when cut, hence the smoulding reputation. Dry it properly and it will burn very well.
Is a London plane a good tree?
The London planetree is a widely planted street tree, and for good reason. The tree was found to thrive in sooty air and provide wonderful shade. Its ability to withstand air pollution, drought, and other adversities assures its popularity as an urban tree (hardiness zones 5-9).
What is special about a sycamore tree?
The most striking feature of the tree is the bark that has a camouflage pattern comprised of gray-brown outer bark that peels off in patches to reveal the light gray or white wood beneath. Older trees often have solid, light gray trunks. Sycamores also go by the names buttonwood or buttonball trees.
How do you identify a sycamore tree?
0:462:51How to identify sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) | TREE ID #8 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThey really enjoy keeping their roots wet now how am I gonna get us a closer look you can tell themMoreThey really enjoy keeping their roots wet now how am I gonna get us a closer look you can tell them to Sycamore by taking a look at the creamy. White bark cut with watches green and brown let's get a
What is the sycamore tree in the Bible?
Zacchaeus then ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree along Jesus's path. When Jesus reached the spot he looked up at the sycamore tree (actually a sycamore-fig Ficus sycomorus), addressed Zacchaeus by name, and told him to come down, for he intended to visit his house.
What are plane trees called?
Genus. This genus in the plane (Platanaceae) family consists of 8 species of deciduous trees that are found across the northern temperate zones, including Eurasia, North America, and Mexico.
Do plane trees cause allergies?
So do plane trees cause hay fever symptoms? The answer is a guarded yes – particularly in September, among people with allergies. It's also likely but unproven that plane tree leaf trichomes cause a range of irritant effects in a wider population and for longer.
Are plane trees fast growing?
Plane - London Plane Large deciduous, extremely hardy tree. Grows up to 1 metre per year. Tolerant of harsh city conditions, air pollution, compacted and poor soils.
Are maple and sycamore the same?
The Sycamore is a member of the maple family, known formally as the Aceraceae. (The Latin genus name Acer means sharp, and is a reference not to the form of the tree itself but to its timber. Wood from maple trees, including sycamores, was used for making spears.)
What is a sycamore tree?
Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) is also commonly called the American planetree, buttonwood or button ball, and grows as a deciduous tree in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 to 9, where it is prized for its massive size, showy bark and attractive foliage. The sycamore is one of the parents of the hybrid London planetree ...
How wide is a London Planetree?
A sycamore canopy can have a spread of 75 to 100 feet, while the London planetree canopy grows only 65 to 80 feet wide. While both the London planetree and the sycamore feature showy bark, the bark on the London planetree is somewhat duller.
Is a sycamore a hybrid?
The sycamore is one of the parents of the hybrid London planetree (Platanus x acerifolia), hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8. The London planetree and the sycamore are very similar, but a few notable differences exist between the two.
How tall is a London plane tree?
The large tree grows between 66 and 100 ft. (20 – 30 m) tall with a large, rounded crown up to 75 ft. (22 m) wide.
What is the bark pattern of a London plane tree?
The bark on a London plane tree makes it easily recognizable in a landscape. The bark on a London plane tree has a distinctive gray mottled appearance that develops when it exfoliates, revealing white, brown, and creamy yellow colors. This distinctive camouflage pattern makes it easy to identify a London plane tree from a distance.
What bugs eat planetree leaves?
Sycamore lace bugs (Corythucha ciliata): These small white sap-sucking insects feed on the underside of planetree leaves. The effects of these pests include bleached leaves or foliage with stippled patterning.
What does a London Planetree look like?
The London planetree looks like a regular sycamore tree. The palmately lobed leaves look like sycamore or maple leaves, and small drooping clusters of round flowers bloom in spring. However, common sycamore trees are rarely planted in dense urban environments.
Why are my London plane trees turning brown?
A common fungal disease affecting London plane trees is sycamore anthracnose. The condition can cause leaf spot, and brown blotches will appear on leaves. If the infection is severe, leaves may drop prematurely in spring. Brown leaf spots can also cause mature leaves to fall.
Why does the planetree tree shed?
The bark of the planetree sheds because of the tree’s rapid growth. The thin bark doesn’t expand as quickly as the tree, and large flakes of bark drop off every year. However, this characteristic growth pattern promotes the tree’s health. When shedding the brownish-gray bark, the tree gets rid of pests, harmful parasites, and pollutants.
Which leaves have more pronounced jagged lobes?
London plane tree leaves have more pronounced jagged lobes than a sycamore tree. Comparing pictures of sycamore leaves and planetree leaves shows the center lobe of London plane trees is more extended than wide. In comparison, the central lobe on a sycamore leaf is somewhat stumpy.
What is a sycamore tree?
American Sycamore ( Platanus occidentalis) A large native tree of floodplains and riparian areas, with characteristic mottled bark, especially higher up on trunk and upper branches. London Planetree ( Platanus ×hispanica) A planetree of hybrid origin, widely used in urban landscaping. Established in the wild in a few regions in ...
Where does mottling go on a tree?
Mottling on bark, exposing the thin inner layers, usually goes the whole way to the base of the trunk, even on mature trees.
Is London Plane a sycamore?
London Plane is common in landscaping, occasionally escapes cultivation, and is established in the wild in a few areas. American sycamore is common in riparian areas and occasionally used in landscaping.
