Platanus occidentalis L. – Fam. Platanaceae

General Characteristics

A deciduous tree reaching up to 40 meters in height, with bark covered in grayish-green plates. 

The leaves are deciduous, alternate, palmate, with 3-5 lobes that are broader than long, glossy green, with wide sinuses between the lobes. 

The flowers are gathered in unisexual heads: the male flowers are dark red with 6 stamens; the female flowers are light green with a superior ovary. 

The fruits are gathered in globose inflorescences and are achenes. 

Pollination and seed dispersal occur by wind.

USES

The plant is a symbol of fertility and is known as the Tree of the Gods.

CURIOSITIES

By crossing this species with the Eastern plane tree, the hybrid plane tree Platanus × hispanica has been created, which is the most widely cultivated plane tree in Europe.

ORIGIN AND DISTRIBUTION

A wild species native to the eastern United States, introduced to Europe in 1636.