London Plane
ExplorePlants
London Plane
platanus × hispanica
The London Plane is a magnificent, resilient deciduous tree that has become a defining feature of urban landscapes worldwide, most famously lining the streets of London and other major cities. A hybrid between the Oriental plane and the American sycamore, this tree combines the grand stature of its parent species with an extraordinary tolerance for city life. It is particularly celebrated for its ability to thrive in compacted soils and withstand high levels of atmospheric pollution. This hardiness, combined with its broad canopy providing generous shade, has made it one of the most widely planted ornamental urban trees in temperate zones.
Habitat: Commonly found in temperate urban areas, city streets, parks, and cultivated landscapes, where it is planted for shade and ornament.
Appearance
The London Plane is instantly recognizable by its striking, mottled bark, which flakes off in large irregular patches to reveal a mosaic of pale green, grey, cream, and brown underneath. It boasts large, palmately lobed leaves that closely resemble maple leaves, featuring five distinct lobes with coarsely toothed margins. In autumn, these leaves turn a rich, golden brown. Its fruit consists of distinctive, ball-shaped seed heads that hang in pairs or small clusters from long stalks, remaining on the branches well into winter.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderProtealesFamilyPlatanaceaeGenusPlatanus
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
It was heavily planted in London during the Industrial Revolution because it was one of the few trees that could survive the city's intense coal smoke.
The fuzzy hairs on the underside of its leaves can be a minor irritant to humans and may trigger coughing when shed in spring.
The tree's peeling bark is a self-cleaning mechanism that helps it shed soot, dust, and other urban pollutants.
Special abilities
Ability
Exfoliating Bark
Sheds its outer bark in patches to rid itself of trapped urban pollutants and soot, allowing the tree to breathe through its trunk.
Ability
Pollution Tolerance
Highly resistant to atmospheric particulates, sulfur dioxide, and ozone, making it exceptionally adapted to dense urban environments.
Ability
Compacted Soil Resilience
Possesses a robust, adaptable root system that can survive in highly compacted urban soils with low oxygen levels.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 2000-4000 cm
- Weight
- 5000-20000 kg
- Lifespan
- 150-350 years
Diet & Feeding
As a photosynthetic plant, the London Plane synthesizes its own food using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide.
Primary Foods
- Sunlight
- Water
- Carbon Dioxide
- Soil Minerals
Ecological connections
eaten by
Sycamore Lace Bug
Corythucha ciliata
A lace bug species that feeds on the sap of the leaves, occasionally causing significant defoliation.
eaten by
Eastern Gray Squirrel
Sciurus carolinensis
Nests in the canopy and feeds on the seeds of the tree.
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify London Plane?
The easiest way to identify London Plane is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is London Plane?
2000-4000 cm
How much does London Plane weigh?
5000-20000 kg
How long does London Plane live?
150-350 years
What does London Plane eat?
As a photosynthetic plant, the London Plane synthesizes its own food using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide.
Where is London Plane usually found?
Commonly found in temperate urban areas, city streets, parks, and cultivated landscapes, where it is planted for shade and ornament.
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