Is a London Plane Tree a Maple?

By Alice Nichols

Are you wondering whether a London Plane Tree is a type of Maple? Well, the answer is no – they are not the same. While both trees are popular in landscaping and have similar characteristics, they have distinct differences.

What is a London Plane Tree?

A London Plane Tree, also known as Platanus x acerifolia, is a hybrid tree that originated from the crossbreeding of the American Sycamore and Oriental Plane Tree. It is commonly found in parks and cities all over the world due to its ability to thrive in various environments.

What is a Maple Tree?

Maple trees, on the other hand, are part of the Acer genus and their scientific name is Aceraceae. They are deciduous trees that are native to Asia and North America and typically have distinctive lobed leaves that change color during autumn.

Differences between London Plane Trees and Maple Trees

While both trees may share some similarities such as their size, shape, and leaf structure, there are significant differences between them.

  • Leaf Shape: The leaves of a London Plane Tree have serrated edges and look more like the leaves of a Sycamore tree than those of a maple tree. Maple tree leaves typically have deep lobes.
  • Bark: The bark of a London Plane Tree peels off in patches while that of Maple trees does not.
  • Fruit: Maples produce samaras – winged fruits also known as “helicopters” while plane tree produces spiky balls that contain seeds.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while both London Plane Trees and Maple Trees may appear similar at first glance due to their size and shape, they have distinct differences. The London Plane Tree is a hybrid tree that has serrated leaves and peeling bark while Maples have deeply lobed leaves and do not have peeling bark. So, if you see a tree that looks like a Maple but has different features, it’s likely not a Maple, but rather a London Plane Tree.