Columbia London Plane

Columbia London Plane

15 Gallon / Standard
$179.00
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Columbia London Plane
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Columbia London Plane

Platanus acerifolia ‘Columbia'

Rapid-Growing Urban Champion • Iconic Exfoliating Bark • Pollution & Compaction Tolerant

$179.00
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Description

The Columbia London Plane Tree is a classic, robust urban champion. Selected for its vigorous growth and uniformity, it quickly forms a tall, stately canopy of large, maple-like leaves. Its famous exfoliating bark and tolerance for pollution, compaction, and various soils make it an outstanding, large-scale shade tree for parks, wide streets, and estates where its grand size can be accommodated.

  • Grows rapidly into a very large, imposing tree with a broad, pyramidal to rounded crown, providing deep, widespread shade.

  • Features the iconic camouflage-patterned bark that peels in patches of gray, tan, and cream, providing exceptional textural interest year-round, especially in winter.

  • Exhibits remarkable urban tolerance, withstanding air pollution, soil compaction, and drought better than many other large shade trees.

  • Develops a strong, central leader and good branch structure, making the ‘Columbia’ cultivar a reliable and sturdy choice.

  • Its large, palmate leaves are effective at filtering dust and pollutants from the air.

Quick Facts

Processed facts

  • Mature height: 45-50 ft
  • Mature spread: 35-40 ft
  • Light: Full sun

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  • Features:Foliage: Maple-like, 5-7 lobed deep green leaves turning golden-brown in fall,Bark: Iconic camouflage exfoliation revealing cream, olive and gray patches,Fruit: 1" fuzzy seed balls persisting through winter,mGrowth Habit: Broad, domed crown with upright structure
  • Growth Rate: Fast (2-3 ft/year)
  • Key Advantages:Superior urban tolerance,Anthracnose resistant,Pollution absorbing,Heat and drought tolerant,Long-lived (150+ years)
  • Landscape Uses:Street tree,Park shade tree,Campus plantings,Parking lot islands,Large lawn specimens

Faqs

Q: Is it a messy tree?
A: It can be. The large leaves drop in fall, and the seed balls and fine hairs from new leaves and seeds can be a nuisance around pools, patios, or in gutters. It is best planted in large, open areas like parks or wide lawns, not directly over outdoor living spaces.

Q: How much space does it absolutely need?
A: This is not a tree for a standard residential lot. With a potential spread of 40+ feet and extensive surface roots, it needs a very large open space away from buildings, sidewalks, and underground utilities. Its roots can be disruptive.

Q: Is it related to the California Sycamore?
A: It is a hybrid (Platanus × acerifolia) believed to be between the Oriental Plane and the American Sycamore. It is distinct from our native Platanus racemosa (California Sycamore), which has different bark, seed clusters, and water requirements.

📍 Primary Delivery Area · San Francisco Bay Area

Local delivery across the Bay Area — and beyond.

San Francisco Bay Area is our primary local delivery market. Victory Nursery also serves additional California markets and selected extended delivery areas by arrangement.

Regular local delivery: San Francisco, Peninsula, South Bay, East Bay, Marin, Tracy / Mountain House and surrounding service areas.

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A good garden starts with the right size

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15 Gallon

15 Gallon

One of the most common larger landscape sizes for trees and shrubs. It offers noticeable height and fullness while still being practical for many residential planting projects.

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24" Box

24" Box

A substantial tree and shrub size with immediate visual impact. It usually requires a dolly, hand truck or similar equipment for moving, and access should be considered before delivery.

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36" Box

36" Box

A major landscape size for mature trees and high-impact planting. These trees are very heavy and typically require equipment for unloading, positioning and installation.

Explore 36" Box Trees

Gallon describes the container size, not a guaranteed plant height. Individual plants vary. Contact our nursery for current measurements.

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