Platanus orientalis (Oriental Plane Tree)

Platanus orientalis (Oriental Plane Tree) Details

Commonly known as the Oriental Plane Tree, this is a large and deciduous tree grown for its foliage, stature, and showy fruits. The lush foliage is dark green and develops yellow-brown tones in autumn before falling. Small flowers are produced in spring in dense clusters amidst the foliage and result in spiky, green balls held on dangling stems which persist on the tree into winter. A distinctive feature with this tree is the brown bark which peels off in large sheets to reveal a cream-white inner bark. It grows with a broad crown to about 25 m tall and 20 m wide but can be trimmed as necessary. It grows best when planted in full sun on a well-drained site, and is tolerant of frost, cool climates, urban pollution, poor soils, and moderate wind. The Oriental Plane Tree makes a fantastic shade tree and is commonly grown as a specimen in large gardens or parks, or used in an avenue planting.