Platanus occidentalis – American plane tree, Western plane, Buttonball, American sycamore

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Platanaceae

Platanus occidentalis – American plane tree, Western plane, Buttonball, American sycamore

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Fast-growing tree showing many similarities to P. x acerifolia but is more sensitive to frost when young. Is one of the largest trees in its natural habitat in the central and eastern United States. The bark flakes off in small light grey pieces. Old trunks turn colour to grey-brown. The broad leaf usually has 3 (sometimes 5) serrated lobes. In the autumn the leaves colour to a brownish yellow. Fallen leaves do not rot easily and remain on the ground around the tree. The spherical flower is single and, like the spiky fruit, hangs on a long stem. The fruit remains hanging on the tree until deep into the winter. Plane trees are very resistant to hard surfaces but surface roots can push the surrounding paving upwards. Takes pruning very well, even in old wood. It is important to use a tree stake for support at the sapling stage. Platanus occidentalis grows to form an imposing tree with flaking bark as a remarkable characteristic. It sheds many bark plates particularly in dry years.
Availability
Clear stem (5)
Specifications
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Height
20 - 25 (40) m
Width
10-15m
Crown
round, half-open crown
Bark and branches
light grey, flakes off, later grey-brown
Leaf
palmate lobed, broader than long, green, 10 -22 cm
Flowers
spherical flower heads, yellow-green, May
Fruits
spherical, spiky, brown, usually single
Spines/thorns
None
Toxicity
usually not toxic to people, (large) pets and livestock
Soil type
rich, preferably humid soil
Paving
tolerates paving
Winter hardiness zone
5b (-26,0 to -23,4 °C)
Wind resistance
moderate to good
Other resistances
resistant to frost (WH 1 - 6), resistant to de-icing salt
Application
avenues and broad streets
Shape
clearstem tree, multi-stem treem
Origin
eastern and central part of the USA
Clear stem tree Multi-stem tree clay soil loamy soil peaty soil sandy soil tolerates paving light-loving resistant to de-icing salt resistant to frost (WH 1 - 6) 1st size , taller than 12 metres half-open crown green yellowgreen late sprout average growing all species non-toxic (usually) playground tree Tree for the future
Frequently asked questions
Platanus occidentalis

Platanus occidentalis can eventually reach a height of 20 - 25 (40) m, depending on the site and climate conditions.

Platanus occidentalis is average growing and can eventually reach a height of 20 - 25 (40) m, depending on the site and climate conditions.

The right time to plant Platanus occidentalis is during the dormancy period. In Western Europe, Platanus occidentalis with root balls can generally be planted from mid-November to late April, although this depends strongly on the climatic conditions and the species of tree.

Platanus occidentalis blooms in may.
General