Platanus acerifolia c.s. (London Plane Tree)

Platanus acerifolia c.s. (London Plane Tree) is a cross between the American Sycamore and the Oriental Planetree trees. It belongs to the Platanaceae family and is a big shade tree. The tree's dark bark, which exfoliates in irregular chunks to reveal a speckled creamy white inner bark, is its most remarkable characteristic. Brown, fuzzy, long-stalked, spherical fruit balls emerge from female flowers. The balls mature from October until early January. It favours moist, well-drained soils in full sun, but will withstand pollution, clay soil, moderate shade, and deer. A circular crown with horizontal branches characterizes the shape.