The plane tree is an imposing, densely greened tree that is in demand as a shade provider on several continents. So for us humans, their foliage is in the foreground. The leaf has a typical shape, which can vary depending on the species.

The leaves of the plane tree bear a strong resemblance to maple leaves

leaf sprouting and leaf fall

The Kerrs plane tree, scientifically Platanus kerrii, is the only one that is evergreen. All other species are deciduous and are therefore leafless in winter.

  • Leaf sprouting occurs mainly in April and May
  • Start of budding depends on the weather
  • there are also regional differences
  • in autumn the plane tree loses all of its foliage

In weeks of mild spring, the plane trees can sprout early. If there is a cold snap afterwards, frost damage is possible. The tree usually drives out new leaves 4-5 weeks later.

Leaves of the London plane tree

The maple-leaved plane tree is widespread in our country, both in public spaces and in private gardens. Its leaves are strongly reminiscent of maple leaves, which explains its name. But it is also called the common plane tree. In detail, their leaves show the following characteristics:

  • they are hand-shaped
  • with 3-5 triangular lobes of different sizes
  • Lobes may be slightly serrated
  • the petiole has a length of 5-10 cm
  • the leaf blade is 15-20 cm long as wide
  • The upper side is bright green and shiny
  • Underside firm and hairy
  • the autumn color is inconspicuous

Notice:
The fine hairs on the underside of the leaves, which are also found on the fruits of the plane tree, break off easily. Inhaling these hairs can cause allergic reactions in sensitive people.

leaves of other plane trees

The oriental plane tree, also known as the oriental plane tree, gets a spreading crown with age, which can reach a diameter of up to 50 m. There are many leaves to admire every year! They are 5 to 7 lobed and up to 30 cm wide. In summer they are rich green, in autumn decorative bronze or at least light brown.

The leaves of the American plane tree, also known as the western plane tree, are light green in colour. They are 3-5 lobed, occasionally 7 lobed and more rarely unlobed. Its width is about 25 cm and the length is 20 cm.

leaf problems

In dry and hot summers, the leaves of the plane tree can hang limp, which indicates a lack of water. At that point, at the latest, the plane tree must be watered in a targeted manner.

Other changes in the leaves are usually symptoms of various diseases. Yellowing leaves indicate sycamore wilt, which cannot be fought and leads to the death of the tree. Brown leaf spots and wilted shoot tips are observed after the outbreak of the fungal disease leaf blotch. It usually only affects the first generation of leaves and is only dangerous if it occurs several times in a row.

Category:

Trees