London Planetree

Platanus x acerifolia (Platanaceae) is a large deciduous tree of hybrid origin (P. occidentalis x P. orientalis). It grows to about 80 feet tall with a broad, spreading crown and one of the most distinctive barks of any tree: the outer bark flakes away in irregular patches to reveal a mosaic of cream, olive, and tan inner bark. The maple-like leaves are large (6 to 10 inches) with 3 to 5 pointed lobes.

London plane is one of the world's most successful urban street trees, tolerating air pollution, compacted soil, heat, drought, and severe pruning (pollarding). It grows in full sun on a range of soil types. Anthracnose can cause significant spring defoliation in cool, wet weather. The bark can be a nuisance in some settings due to constant shedding. Hardy in Zones 4a to 8b.