London Planetree
Platanus hispanica
- Native to:
- Albania, Bulgaria, Cyprus, East Aegean Is., Greece, Iran, Iraq, Italy, Kriti, Lebanon-Syria, North Caucasus, NW. Balkan Pen., Sicilia, Transcaucasus, Türkiye
Wikimedia: Roger Culos
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Platanaceae
- Genus:
- Platanus
- Species:
- Platanus hispanica
- USDA Symbol:
- PLHI
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- 3000 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★★☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Hickory Tussock Moth (Lophocampa caryae), Imperial Moth (Eacles imperialis), Regal Moth (Citheronia regalis)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Moths:Sycamore Tussock Moth (Halysidota harrisii)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Fall Color:
- yellow
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- commonly found along riverbanks in native habitat
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 60-90 days to break dormancy.