London Plane

(London Planetree)                         

Platanus x Acerifolia

A hybrid cross between the North American native Sycamore and the Asian Planetree. Rarely planted in New Brunswick. Interesting peeling bark revealing a mottled effect of white, cream and green patches. Male and female flowers are on the same tree and are wind pollinated. The origins of this hybrid are disputed but it was found to have remarkable tolerance to urban pollution and root compaction. For these reasons, it became the urban street tree of choice especially during the Victorian period in London, England and beyond.