How do you tell a London plane from a sycamore?

Asked by: Terri Millsap

Are London plane and sycamore the same?

– What is the difference between sycamore and London planetree? A1. – Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) is the American planetree, while London planetree (Platanus xacerifolia) is a hybrid with the Oriental planetree (Platanus orientalis).

Is London plane tree a sycamore?

The London Plane is of hybrid origin – it is the offspring of two different species, the American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) and the Oriental plane (Platanus orientalis), and it is a tree that did not exist prior to European colonization of the new world.

How do I identify a London plane?

The bark is olive green to grey, with large scaly plates that peel off to reveal a creamy bark beneath. Young twigs are green-brown. Look out for: the multi-coloured bark which has a camouflage-style pattern. Identified in winter by: the catkins which are spherical and hang down from the tree on long stems.

Is a sycamore the same as a plane tree?

The American plane tree, or sycamore (P. occidentalis), also known as buttonwood, buttonball, or whitewood, is the tallest, sometimes reaching a height of more than 50 m (160 feet). Its pendent, smooth, ball-shaped seed clusters usually dangle singly and often persist after leaf fall.

What sycamore looks like?

Sycamore Leaves



Like the sweetgum and the yellow-poplar, the sycamore has leaves that are alternate in arrangement. Sycamore trees are also distinguished by their large patches of smooth bark, which has a creamy “camo” appearance from its mix yellow, tan, and gray.

Is a London plane tree a type of maple?

The Latin name for the Maple genus is Acer and the Latin name for the London planetree is Platanus acerifolia. Furthermore, there is a sycamore maple or Acer pseudoplatanus!

How do you identify a plane tree?

The easiest way to identify a London plane tree is to look at the bark and leaf shape. The planetree has a distinctive mottled bark with a gray, white, yellow, and brown camouflage-style pattern. Large maple-like leaves with pointed margins are the other identifying feature of a London plane tree.

What does a plane tree leaf look like?

leaf: The leaves of the London plane tree are three-to five-lobed and up to 25 cm (9.8 in) broad. They are deep green and yellow in autumn. The leaf base is often straight.

What is the difference between a maple tree and a sycamore tree?

maple tree leaves. Sycamore trees and maple trees have leaves that look similar. Generally, sycamore trees have leaves with shallow indentations between their lobes whereas maple tree leaves have deep indentations. Sycamore tree leaves grow alternately, but maple tree leaves have an opposite leaf arrangement.

How do I identify a sycamore tree UK?

Line. If you want to attempt to identify the tree by the bark it's another extra clue i'm terrible at it but sycamores generally have a sort of silvery brown bark when they're younger.

How do you identify sycamore wood?

The sapwood is white to light tan, while the heartwood is a darker reddish brown. Sycamore also has very distinct ray flecks present on quartersawn surfaces—giving it a freckled appearance—and it is sometimes even called “Lacewood.” Grain/Texture: Sycamore has a fine and even texture that is very similar to maple.

What does the leaf of a sycamore tree look like?

Sycamore trees have large, light-green leaves that resemble maple leaves in shape. They are alternate, simple and palmate with coarse teeth. The undersides of new leaves are coated with coarse, white hair. In the fall, sycamore leaves turn yellow or brown.

What trees look like sycamores?

But those trees are actually London planetrees (Platanus x acerifolia), sycamore lookalikes native to Europe. Planetrees are incredibly hardy, grow fast, and can handle most kinds of pollution, so they’ve been planted in many cities.

What trees look like a sycamore tree?

These trees can have a huge diameter at the base the largest of any of our deciduous trees three to eight feet in diameter. As they age it's gonna be brown. But again look at this almost camouflaged

What is special about a sycamore tree?

The most striking feature of the tree is the bark that has a camouflage pattern comprised of gray-brown outer bark that peels off in patches to reveal the light gray or white wood beneath. Older trees often have solid, light gray trunks. Sycamores also go by the names buttonwood or buttonball trees.

Why do they call it a sycamore tree?

Sycamore is a name which has been applied to several types of trees, but with somewhat similar leaf forms. The name derives from the ancient Greek συκόμορος (sūkomoros) meaning “fig-mulberry”. Species of trees known as sycamore: Acer pseudoplatanus, a species of maple native to central Europe and southwestern Asia.

Why do sycamore trees make you cough?

If you’re sensitized to maple sycamore trees and have asthma, tree pollen may trigger or worsen asthma symptoms, such as coughing and wheezing.

Why do London plane trees shed bark?

Exfoliating bark can help the tree rid itself of soot and other pollutants that might accumulate over time. Another possibility is that the tree discards its outer bark as a protective measure again invasions by parasites, fungi, mosses, and lichens.

Are London plane trees messy?

London plane trees tend to be a somewhat messy, seemingly dropping something every day of the year. In fall, when other deciduous trees are dropping their leaves, the London plane leaves die, but persist on the branches throughout the entire winter.

Are London plane tree roots invasive?

Its roots are so tough and aggressive, that it can lift sidewalks and curbs, invade sewer pipes, and crack building foundations.

How often do London plane trees shed their bark?

Although the mottled look left behind may be of concern to you, this bark “exfoliation” is a year-round, normal, spontaneous occurrence and is beneficial to the health of these long-lasting, resilient trees.

How long does it take for a London plane tree to grow?

London Plane Tree , (Platanus x acerifolia)



London Plane trees typically grow from 70 to 100 feet tall and spread 65 to 80 feet at maturity. Growing at a medium rate, these trees will reach 35 feet or so over their first 20 years.

What time of year do sycamore trees shed bark?

Sycamore trees consistently shed their bark throughout the growing seasons. This shedding is most intense in the hottest months of summer and following windstorms or heavy rains, but you can expect it to occur throughout the majority of the year.