The London Plane is an iconic tree that defines many British urban landscapes, known for its towering height, broad crown, and distinctive, mottled bark. Its large, maple-like leaves create a dense canopy, providing cool shade and a sense of grandeur. The bark peels away in patches, revealing creamy white and greenish-grey beneath, offering a striking visual feature year-round. In autumn, the leaves turn golden-brown before falling, adding a warm seasonal note. London Planes are often planted along streets, in parks, and in large gardens where their size and bold form can be fully appreciated.

Resilience is one of the London Plane’s greatest strengths. It tolerates pollution, compacted soils, and urban heat, making it a go-to tree for cities. While large-scale plantings are most common, it’s also possible to grow a London Plane as a single specimen in a spacious garden. Its combination of beauty, adaptability, and long life has secured its place as one of the UK’s most beloved and recognisable trees.