Plane Tree History 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 come from?
Why are there so many plane trees in London?
How do London plane trees grow?
How old are London plane trees?
How long does a plane tree live?
How long does a plane tree take to grow?
Is London plane tree toxic?
Are London plane trees messy?
What is the most common tree in London?
Are London plane tree roots invasive?
Are London plane trees fast growing?
Where does London plane tree grow?

Where does the plane tree come from?

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.

Why are there so many plane trees in London?

It was planted en masse at a time when London was black with soot and smoke from the Industrial Revolution and when population expansion forced greater urban planning. Taking a cue from the plane-lined boulevards built in Paris from around 1850, the tree flourished in London due to its hardy characteristics.

How do London plane trees grow?

Gathering and Planting Seeds of Plane Trees

Cover the seeds lightly with soil, using the back of a rake. Alternatively, keep the seeds cool and dry in the refrigerator for five weeks, then plant them in the prepared bed in late winter or early spring. Soak the seeds for 48 hours, then let them drain before planting.

How old are London plane trees?

All these trees are, therefore, over 330 years old, whilst the oldest examples of London planes growing in central London are generally considered to be those in Berkeley Square, thought to have been planted in 1789, making them 220 years old.

How long does a plane tree live?

The London plane can grow to 35m and live for several hundred years. The bark is olive green to grey, with large scaly plates that peel off to reveal a creamy bark beneath.

How long does a plane tree take to grow?

This hybrid tree resulted from a cross between two sycamore species: Platanus occidentalis (American sycamore) and Platanus orientalis (Oriental plane). A fast-growing tree, the London plane typically gains several feet in height per year. It transplants well and can be planted throughout the year.

Is London plane tree toxic?

Well-Known Member. The thing is... as soon as someone official says "its not poisonous..." they open themselves up to any number of probably spurious lawsuits hoping for an out of court settlement. There are no recorded cases of London Plane causing poisoning in equids.

Are London plane trees 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. ... Sycamore trees have very interesting and attractive, mottled bark.

What is the most common tree in London?

Believe it or not, the sycamore is the most common species of tree in London, beating what is often wrongly considered the most prevalent, the London plane. Numbering circa 656,000, the species make up 7.79% of the capital's overall tree population.

Are London plane tree roots 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 trees fast growing?

Hardy in all but the coldest areas, plane trees grow quite quickly when young. While they can adapt to poor and compacted soils, they prefer a deep moisture-retentive soil in a sunny open position. ... They are superb trees for large home gardens, parklands, and broad avenues.

Where does London plane tree grow?

The tree grows in almost any soil – acidic or alkaline, loamy, sandy or clay. It accepts wet or dry soil. Plane tree information suggests that plane trees grow best in full sun, but they also thrive in partial shade.