London Planetree

Common Names

• London Plane Tree
• London Plane
• Hybrid Plane

Scientific Names

• Platanus x acerifolia
• Platanaceae (plane-tree) family

History of
the Tree Species

• Thought to be a hybrid of Platanus orientalis (oriental plane) and Platanus occidentalis (American sycamore)
• Some experts think that it may be a cultivar of P. Orientalis
• Popular because of its high tolerance for London pollution
• Widely distributed to urban areas with moderate climate conditions around the world for almost four centuries

Scientific Facts

• Its pendant seed balls (brown clusters) are enjoyed by wildlife but not edible to humans
• Bark can be boiled in vinegar to treat toothache and diarrhea
• Leaves may be bruised and applied to eyes to treat conjunctivitis and other inflammatory conditions
• Potential treatment for coughs, respiratory issues, and stomach problems
• Resistant to anthracnose