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Nature

London Plane Tree

What is london plane tree?

· Emily Grant

Key facts

Common name London plane[1]
Scientific name Platanus × hispanica[1]
Family Platanaceae[1]
Origin Non-native[1]
Height Up to 35 metres[1]

The London plane tree is a large, non-native hybrid tree, *Platanus × hispanica*, widely planted in cities for its tolerance of urban pollution. It can grow up to 35 metres tall and live for several hundred years. Its bark sheds in patches, creating a mottled trunk.

Context

The London plane tree (*Platanus × hispanica*) is a hybrid of the Oriental plane and American sycamore [2]. It is a large deciduous tree, reaching up to 35 metres in height [1]. Its bark sheds in patches, creating a mottled trunk that is a key identification feature [1]. The tree is widely planted in towns and cities because it tolerates polluted urban conditions [3]. The name 'London plane' comes from its popularity in London, where it was widely planted during the late 1700s and 1800s [3]. It can live for several hundred years [1].

Documented claims

  • The London plane is a hybrid of the Oriental plane and the American sycamore. [2]
  • It is widely planted in towns and cities because it thrives in polluted urban environments. [3]
  • The name 'London plane' comes from its popularity in London, where it was widely planted during the late 1700s and 1800s. [3]
  • The tree can live for several hundred years. [1]

Questions and answers

Is a London plane tree a good tree?

Yes, it is widely planted in towns and cities because it thrives in polluted urban environments [3].

Why is it called the London plane tree?

The name comes from its popularity in London, where it was widely planted during the late 1700s and 1800s [3].

Is a London plane tree a sycamore?

It is a hybrid of the Oriental plane and the American sycamore, so it is related to sycamores but is its own distinct hybrid [2].

Are London plane tree roots invasive?

The sources do not specify whether the roots are invasive.

Sources

  1. London plane (LPL) — forestresearch.gov.uk (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. For shade, beauty and vigor, few trees can top London Plane — oregon.gov (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. London Plane (Platanus x hispanica) - British Trees — woodlandtrust.org.uk (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Nature