London Planetree

 Platanus x acerifolia

 This hybrid (cultivar) of a London native sycamore and an Asian Planetree produces beautiful peeling bark. It is extremely efficient at removing small particulate from the air. It was popular in Victorian London for its hardiness against pollution.

This is a hybrid resulting from a cross between native sycamore and non-native Asian planetree. Like sycamore, it is large tree with beautiful peeling bark. One of the most efficient trees in removing small particulate pollutants in urban areas. It was planted in Victorian times to weather the pollution in London.

 It is deciduous and the mature height is 70-100 ft. The mature width is 65-80ft. It is fairly wind resistant.

 Birds, insect pollinators and small mammals are attracted to this tree. The London planetree has ball like seed heads that are 1 inch in diameter and hang in pairs from long stalks. The seeds shatter during winter months. The short stiff hairs shed by young leaves disperse seeds. When breathed in can exacerbate breathing difficulties for people with asthma.

 It is one of 50 Great British Trees that the Tree Council selected in 2002 in honor of Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee.