Platanus occidentalis
American plane
A large, vigorous, broadly columnar tree, to 25m, with flaking brown, grey and cream bark and bright green, sycamore-like leaves with three or five, pointed lobes. Inconspicuous flowers are followed by spherical seed clusters, hanging in ones or twos on long stems, green at first then brown, and persisting into winter
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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Brown Cream Grey Silver | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Brown Cream Grey Silver | Green | Green | |
| Autumn | Brown Cream Green | Green | Brown | |
| Winter | Brown Cream Grey Silver | Brown |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Platanaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Potentially harmful
- Contact with the hairs on the fruits may irritate the skin and respiriatory system. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Platanus are vigorous, large deciduous trees of stately appearance, with maple-like foliage and attractively patterned bark
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- N America
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist, fertile soil in full sun, allowing enough space for a very large tree with a vigorous root system
Propagation
Propagate by seed, or hardwood cuttings in winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Pruning group 1, but will tolerate severe pruning if necessary
Pests
May be susceptible to lace bugs
Diseases
May be susceptible to plane anthracnose and honey fungus
Get involved
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