London Plane Tree

Sun Exposure: Full sun, intolerant of shade

Origin: Hybrid of P. occidentalis x P. orientalis.

Growth Habits: Deciduous tree, 70 to 100 feet tall when mature (21-30 m), 60 to 80 feet spread (18-24 m); olive-green to creamy, exfoliating bark; alternate, palmately veined, three to five lobes leaf, 5 to 9 inches long (12.5-20.5 cm), 6 to 10 inches wide (15-25 cm)

Watering Needs: Deep waterings in summer, tolerates polluted city air

Propagation: Stem tip hardwood cuttings in the fall, seeds

Propagation: Cutting or occasionally seed

• by hardwood stem tip cuttings, in autumn. Use outdoor beds. Root in 3 weeks. Platanus acerifolia = P. occidentalis x P. orientalis..
• by seeds, in spring. The seeds can be harvested in late autumn. The seeds need stratification.

Fruiting Habits:
The fruit is a tan-colored ball of multiple achenes borne on a stalk 3 to 6 inches long (7-18 cm). The ball is 1 to 1.6 inches in diameter (2.5-4 cm), 1 or 2 balls per stalk. Each winged seed is 0.5 inch long, (1.2 cm) maturing as the leaves fall before winter, but staying on the tree until the following spring.

Propagation:
The seeds need to be kept wet during their germination and early growth.