As a horticulture and landscaping expert , I ’ve often come across the confusion surrounding the American plane tree and the London plane tree . These two Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree species can be easily misidentify for one another , especially when they are young and their feature film are not fully developed . However , with a confining look and some cardinal observations , telling them asunder becomes much easy .
One of the master reasons for the confusion is their similar barque patterns . Both the American sycamore and the London plane Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree have a distinctive dappled and exfoliate bark , which can make it challenging to severalise between the two at first glance . The barque of both trees pare off in patch , unwrap lighter - colorize inner barque to a lower place . This unique machine characteristic open them an almost camouflage - alike appearance .
To properly identify these trees , it is best to examine them when they are fledged . The American mulberry fig , also known as Platanus occidentalis , is a magnanimous deciduous tree that can arrive at heights of up to 100 feet . Its bark turns a greyish - white colouring as it maturate , and the patches become more pronounced and trenchant . The exfoliating barque of the American Ficus sycomorus often disclose creamy white , greenish , or light brown patches , bestow to its overall appealingness .
On the other hand , the London woodworking plane tree diagram , scientifically known as Platanus × acerifolia , is also a large deciduous tree that can spring up up to 100 feet marvellous . Its bark develops a patchy appearance as it ages , similar to the American plane tree . However , the patch tend to be more uniform in color , often displaying a combination of light green and gray . The patches on the London plane tree diagram ’s barque are mostly smaller and more closely packed compared to those of the American Acer pseudoplatanus .
Apart from the barque , there are a few other distinguishing features to wait out for . The leaves of the American sycamore are tolerant and palm - shaped , with three to five lobes . These leaves have a coarse texture and can get up to 10 in in length . In contrast , the London plane tree has leaves that are maple - like , with five spectacular lobe . These leave of absence are slimly smaller than those of the American sycamore , typically measure out around 4 - 6 inch in length .
When it get along to their overall show , the American plane tree lean to have a more temporary and receptive crown , while the London planer tree diagram has a more symmetrical and rounded crownwork . to boot , the American mulberry fig produce spherical seed balls that are spiky and brown , while the London plane tree produces round seed lump that are less spiky and tend to be green when young , turning brown with age .
In my own experiences with these trees , I ’ve find legion cases where people have mistake one for the other . It can be specially tricky when the tree diagram are young and their barque pattern are less defined . However , by close observing the barque , foliage , and overall appearance , it becomes easy to speciate between the American lacewood and the London plane tree .
To resume , the American sycamore and the London woodworking plane tree are often mix up due to their similarly pattern , mottled , exfoliating bark . However , by considering factors such as the color and size of the patches , the shape and texture of the leaf , and the overall crown structure , it becomes potential to tell apart between these two tree metal money , particularly when they have reached adulthood .
Caroline Bates
