London plane trees grow wild in Europe and are increasingly cultivated in the United States. These are tall, sturdy, easy-grow trees that can get to 100 feet (30 m.) tall and 80 feet (24 m.) wide.
Where do London plane trees come from?
The London plane is thought to be a cross between the Oriental plane and the American sycamore – both of which had been introduced to Britain. By chance, one of each species had been planted in the London nursery garden of John Tradescant, the younger which cross-pollinated to produce a new hybrid.
Where does the plane tree grow?
plane tree, any of the 10 species of the genus Platanus, the only genus of the family Platanaceae. These large trees are native in North America, eastern Europe, and Asia and are characterized by scaling bark; large, deciduous, usually palmately lobed leaves; and globose heads of flower and seed.
Do plane trees grow in UK?
The species most commonly seen in the United Kingdom is London plane (Platanus x acerifolia, syn. P. hispanica). This is a naturally occurring hybrid of western or American plane (Platanus occidentalis), also known as American sycamore, and eastern or Oriental plane (P.
Is the London planetree invasive?
Its roots are so tough and aggressive, that it can lift sidewalks and curbs, invade sewer pipes, and crack building foundations.
Are London plane and sycamore the same?
London plane-tree may be distinguished from the closely related American sycamore by the number of fruit clusters, and the bark. London plane-tree typically bears its round fruit clusters in groups of 2, while American sycamore usually bears solitary fruit clusters.
Do plane trees cause asthma?
The answer is a guarded yes – particularly in September, among people with allergies. It’s also likely but unproven that plane tree leaf trichomes cause a range of irritant effects in a wider population and for longer. And there are clearly other allergic causes of symptoms in the inner city as well.
Can plane trees make you cough?
It means the trees are also blamed for causing hay fever and allergic reactions, even though the most common cause of hay fever is grass pollen and there is limited evidence that plane trees cause allergies. However, the fine hairs are renowned for making people cough and for irritating skin.
Is London Plane tree native to us?
In fact, it’s not native to anywhere, because it’s a hybrid of two trees – the American Sycamore, and the Oriental Planetree – from opposite sides of the globe. Its name reflects the fact that it was widely planted in London during the industrial revolution because of its high tolerance for air pollution.
Is London Plane tree a sycamore tree?
London planetree is a hybrid resulting from a cross between the native sycamore and the non-native Asian planetree. Like sycamore, this is a large tree with beautiful peeling bark.
Is London Plane tree fruit edible?
IDENTIFICATION: Tall tree resembling a maple with mottled bark, leaves palmate, large, eight inches wide and long or more, with three lobes, glossy green on top, paler underneath. Non-edible fruit, a brown cluster. TIME OF YEAR: Sap availability depends on location, year round in warm areas.
Why were plane trees planted in London?
The London plane has been widely grown in England since the late 17th century. It particularly caught on in Victorian London because its flaking bark helps it shrug off pollution. In addition, it can tolerate inferior and impacted soil, regular pruning and conditions of dampness or drought.
Do London plane trees cause allergies?
In addition to pollen, London plane trees also have trichomes and achene fibers, which can cause respiratory and eye symptoms due to irritation. It especially affects asthmatics and has a prevalence of 40% among allergy sufferers.
Is a London plane tree messy?
London plane trees tend to be a somewhat messy, seemingly dropping something every day of the year. In fall, when other deciduous trees are dropping their leaves, the London plane leaves die, but persist on the branches throughout the entire winter.
Do London plane trees have deep roots?
London plane trees can grow up to 100 feet (30.5 m.) in height with a canopy spread the same. This enormous size makes for a sizable root system. Unfortunately, as with many trees that mature and reach their potential height, London plane tree root problems become obvious.
Are London plane trees good street trees?
The London planetree is a widely planted street tree, and for good reason. The tree was found to thrive in sooty air and provide wonderful shade. Its ability to withstand air pollution, drought, and other adversities assures its popularity as an urban tree (hardiness zones 5-9).
Is a London planetree a maple?
Not only are the phenotypic traits of the London planetree and maple similar but their Latin names are, too. The Latin name for the Maple genus is Acer and the Latin name for the London planetree is Platanus acerifolia. Furthermore, there is a sycamore maple or Acer pseudoplatanus!
Are there plane trees in the US?
The American plane tree, or sycamore (P. occidentalis), also known as buttonwood, buttonball, or whitewood, is the tallest, sometimes reaching a height of more than 50 m (160 feet). Its pendent, smooth, ball-shaped seed clusters usually dangle singly and often persist after leaf fall.
Is London plane a hardwood?
The Plane is a hardwood, and the timber needs to be handled accordingly. It is dense and heavy, pinkish in colour when first sawn, fading to a light brown. It is a very ‘busy’ timber to look at, with large rays when flat sawn (much like Oak), and heavily flecked on the quarter (giving a similar appearance to Rewarewa).
Do plane trees smell?
A. The American sycamore, Platanus occidentalis, with its distinctive peeling bark, is not well known for its scent, but there are many anecdotal reports from people who find it emits a sweet odor. The sycamore is also called the buttonwood tree or American planetree.
Are plane trees toxic?
The bronchial reaction is due to irritation of the mucal membranes by the leaf hairs. The victim is usually fully recovered the following day, and it is not believed to cause any long- term health problems. Plane trees are sometimes included in listings of poisonous plants because of this reaction.