Plane Tree

Platanus

Plane trees, also known as sycamores, have unique mottled bark that peels off in patches. They provide shade with their large, hand-shaped leaves and are often found lining streets and parks.

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The Plane Tree has distinctive patchy bark, often grey, cream, and olive green, which peels off in flakes to reveal lighter colours underneath. Its large, five-lobed leaves resemble maple leaves, and it produces curious spherical seed balls that hang from branches.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderProtealesFamilyPlatanaceaeGenusPlatanus

Plane Tree

Interesting facts

A famous Plane Tree in Greece is over 2,400 years old!

In North America, many Plane Trees are called Sycamores!

Plane Trees are often planted in cities because they are super tough!

Their fuzzy "buttonball" seeds can hang on the tree all winter long!

Special abilities

Plane Tree can shed its outer bark that helps it clean off pollution and grow without cracking.

Plane Tree has tough leaves and roots that help it thrive in polluted city environments.

Plane Tree can regrow quickly after heavy pruning that helps it recover from damage or shaping.

Measurements & details

Height: 20-40 m
Spread: 15-25 m
Edible: No
Size: 100-300 cm
Lifespan: 200-500 years
Fruit Type: Achenes clustered in spherical heads (buttonballs)
Growth Rate: Medium
Leaf Type: Deciduous

Ecological connections

Eats

Sycamore Lace Bug

Corythucha ciliata

Feeds on sap from its leaves.

Eats

Hickory Tussock Moth

Lophocampa caryae

Larvae munch on its leaves.

Shelter

Great Tit

Parus major

Nests in tree cavities and branches.

Parasitizes

Plane Anthracnose

Apiognomonia veneta

Causes leaf spot and twig cankers.

Traits

Deciduous

Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.

Broadleaf Tree

Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.

Urban Friendly

This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.

Also known as

London Plane

Collections

Trees

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Avoid climbing on trees without adult supervision to prevent accidents.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Plane Tree?

Compare leaves or needles, how they attach to the twig, buds, bark and the shape of the crown. Lobed leaves are useful clues, but several unrelated trees share a similar outline. Tree Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

How tall is Plane Tree?

20-40 m

How wide does Plane Tree spread?

15-25 m

Is Plane Tree edible?

How big is Plane Tree?

100-300 cm

How long does Plane Tree live?

200-500 years

Where is Plane Tree usually found?

Urban areas

What kind of fruit does Plane Tree produce?