Oriental Plane, Oriental planetree
Platanus orientalis

Family: Platanaceae

What it is like

Platanus orientalis is a deciduous Tree growing to 30 m (98ft) by 30 m (98ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower in May, and the seeds ripen from October to February. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Height (m): 30

Where it is found

By rivers in forests in the hills.

S.E. Europe to W. Asia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 2

The leaves are astringent and vulnerary. The fresh leaves are bruised and applied to the eyes in the treatment of ophthalmia. A decoction is used to treat dysentery and a cream made from the leaves is used to heal wounds and chilblains. The leaves are harvested in the spring and summer and can be dried for later use. The bark is boiled in vinegar and then used in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery, hernias and toothache.

Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.

Dysentery: Used in treating dysentery - an infection of the intestines that causes diarrhoea containing blood or mucus.

Ophthalmic: Treats eye complaints.

Vulnerary: Promotes the healing of wounds.

Other

Rating: 2

A fabric dye is obtained from the branches and roots. The colour is not given. Wood - tough, difficult to split, not durable. It is not esteemed for carpentry, but has certain advantages in cabinet making, it is also used for inlay work and wood pulp.

Dye: Plants that provide dyes.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

How it is grown

Requires a sunny position in a deep fertile well-drained soil. A fast growing species, established plants are drought tolerant. Tolerates atmospheric pollution and compacted soils. This species is hardy in most areas of Britain but the trees do not do well in northern parts of the country, requiring hotter summers than are normally experienced there. A very ornamental and very long lived tree. It is immune to 'Plane tree wilt' fungus. Very tolerant of root disturbance, trees up to 5 metres tall can be moved quite easily.

Propagating it: Seed - two months cold stratification improves germination. Sow spring in a cold frame in light shade. Home grown seed is often of poor quality and low viability. It is best to harvest the seed in late winter or spring and then sow it immediately in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of mature wood of the current years growth, 20 - 30 cm with a heel, autumn in a cold frame. Easy. Layering of stools in spring or autumn. Takes 12 months.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Canopy;

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth: Fast

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

In hot dry climates the hairs of the fruits and leaves are believed to cause an effect similar to hay fever.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

P. vulgaris.