Platanus x acerifolia (London Planetree)

London Planetree is a deciduous tree with a distinctive and refined pyramidal form. Its relatively coarse texture can be used to stand it apart from other landscape plants with finer foliage.

This is a high maintenance tree that will require regular care and upkeep and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It is a good choice for attracting squirrels to your yard but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats.

London Planetree has rich green deciduous foliage on a tree with a pyramidal habit of growth. The large serrated lobed leaves turn coppery-bronze in fall. The mottled silver bark is extremely showy and adds significant winter interest.

London Planetree will grow to be about 90 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 70 feet. It has a high canopy of foliage that sits well above the ground and should not be planted underneath power lines. As it matures, the lower branches of this tree can be strategically removed to create a high enough canopy to support unobstructed human traffic underneath. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live to a ripe old age of 100 years or more; think of this as a heritage tree for future generations!

This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations and should do just fine under average home landscape conditions. It is not particular as to soil type or pH and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid.