Plane trees are mainly found in the northern hemisphere. They are the only genus of the plane tree family. Their size is given as eight species. We take a closer look at the three best-known representatives.
Which plane tree species are best known?
The three best-known plane tree species are the American plane tree (Platanus occidentalis), maple-leaved plane tree (Platanus x hispanica) and the Oriental plane tree (Platanus orientalis). These tree species are popular as street plants and in parks, although the maple-leaved plane tree is also suitable for private gardens.
American Sycamore – Platanus occidentalis
Another name is western plane tree. This tree species has its natural home in eastern North America. It can now also be found on other continents. In our country, this plane tree is often used as an ornamental tree in parks or as street planting. It is less suitable for gardens because it takes up a lot of space or, alternatively, requires regular and extensive cutting.
- can grow up to 50 m high
- reaches a trunk circumference of around 4.5 m
- flowers like all plane trees in April and May
- the light green leaves are reminiscent of vine leaves
Maple-leaved plane tree – Platanus x hispanica
The leaves of this type of plane tree are visually reminiscent of the maple tree. That's where the name comes from. However, these two tree species are not related; in addition to the similarity of leaves, there are also numerous differences. The maple-leaved plane tree is said to be a mixture of the American and Oriental plane trees. Nowadays it is widespread in North America, Europe and Asia.
- also called sycamore tree
- can live up to 300 years
- reaches a height of 30 m
- and a crown diameter of about 25 m
- the lower branches droop with age
- the leaves, up to 25 cm in size, remain green until late autumn
This species is often planted in urban areas in parks and along roadsides because of its resistance to increasing air pollution.
Tip
The pruning-friendly and winter-hardy plane tree is also suitable for a private garden. Its crown can be easily cut into an attractive roof shape.
Oriental plane tree – Platanus orientalis
This plane tree is also known as the Oriental plane tree because the heat-loving tree originally comes from the Orient. The natural distribution area of the Oriental plane tree extends from the Balkans to Syria and Iran. The Greeks also gave this type of plane tree the name philosopher's tree because numerous philosophical discussions were held under its shady crown. These are their characteristics of the deciduous tree:
- reaches an average height of 30 m
- with a trunk diameter of about 3.5 m
- Crown circumference can reach up to 50
- Branches initially grow upwards in an arch shape
- As we get older, lower or strong branches can lean towards the ground
- in summer the leaves are lush green
- tinted light brown to bronze in autumn
With its large crown width, this type of plane tree is unsuitable for street planting and for smaller gardens.
