The plane tree is an impressive, densely green tree that is in demand as a shade provider on several continents. This means that our foliage is the focus for us humans. The leaf has a typical shape, which can vary depending on the species.
What does a plane tree leaf look like?
The plane tree's leaf is palmate and can vary depending on the species. The maple-leaved plane tree has 3-5 triangular lobes and is reminiscent of maple leaves. The Oriental sycamore has 5-7 lobes, while the American sycamore has 3-5, occasionally 7 or unlobed leaves. The colors range from strong green to light green.
Leaf sprouting and leaf fall
The Kerrs plane tree, scientifically Platanus kerrii, is the only one that is evergreen. All other species are deciduous and are therefore leafless in winter.
- Leaf emergence occurs mainly in April and May
- Start of budding depends on the weather
- there are also regional differences
- In autumn the plane tree loses all of its leaves
In weeks of mild spring, the plane trees can sprout early. If there is a cold snap afterwards, frost damage is possible. The tree usually sprouts new leaves 4-5 weeks later.
Plane tree leaves
The maple-leaved plane tree is widespread in our country, both in public spaces and in private gardens. Their leaves are strongly reminiscent of maple leaves, which explains their name. But it is also called the common plane tree. In detail, its leaves have the following characteristics:
- they are palmate
- with 3-5 triangular lobes of different sizes
- Flaps may be slightly serrated
- the petiole is 5-10 cm long
- the leaf blade is 15-20 cm long and wide
- Top is bright green and shiny
- Underside firm and hairy
- the autumn color is inconspicuous
Note:The fine hairs on the undersides of the leaves, which are also found on the fruits of the plane tree, break off easily. Inhaling these hairs can cause allergic reactions in sensitive people.
Leaves of other plane tree species
The Oriental plane tree, also known as the Oriental plane tree, develops a sprawling crown as it ages, which can reach a diameter of up to 50 m. There are lots of leaves to admire every year! They are 5 to 7 lobed and up to 30 cm wide. In summer they are rich green, in autumn they are decoratively bronze or at least light brown.
The leaves of the American sycamore, also known as the western sycamore, are light green in color. They are 3-5 lobed, occasionally 7 lobed and rarely unlobed. Its width is about 25 cm and the length is 20 cm.
Leaf Problems
In dry and hot summers, the leaves of the plane tree may hang limply, indicating a lack of water. At this point at the latest, the plane tree must be watered in a targeted manner.
Other changes on the leaves are usually symptoms of various diseases. Yellowish leaves indicate sycamore wilt, which cannot be controlled and leads to the death of the tree. Brown leaf spots and wilted shoot tips are observed after the outbreak of the fungal leaf brown disease. It usually only affects the first generation of leaves and is only dangerous if it occurs several times in a row.