Question 1

True or false: London plane trees are native only to the United Kingdom.

Accepted Answer

False. They originated in southern Europe or western Asia and were cultivated in London, but are not native to the UK.

Question 2

True or false: The leaves of the London plane are toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.

Accepted Answer

False. No evidence of toxicity; they are generally considered non-toxic to pets, though any plant material can cause mild upset.

Question 3

True or false: The London plane is a natural hybrid between an American sycamore and an Oriental plane.

Accepted Answer

True. It's a cross between Platanus occidentalis and Platanus orientalis, first identified in the 17th century.

Question 4

True or false: London planes are sterile and cannot produce viable seeds.

Accepted Answer

False. They do produce fertile seeds; many seedlings grow in urban areas, though hybridization occurs.

Question 5

True or false: A single mature London plane can absorb up to 1,000 gallons of stormwater per year.

Accepted Answer

True. Their dense canopy and root system intercept and soak up rainwater, reducing urban flooding significantly.

Question 6

True or false: The oldest London plane in London was planted by Christopher Wren in 1666.

Accepted Answer

False. No record supports this; the oldest known is at Barn Elms, planted around 1680, but not by Wren.

Question 7

True or false: London plane trees can survive air pollution by actively shedding their bark every year.

Accepted Answer

True. They peel bark in flakes, which removes trapped pollutants and soot, helping them thrive in cities.

Question 8

True or false: During the Great Smog of 1952, London planes were credited with absorbing massive amounts of sulfur dioxide.

Accepted Answer

True. Their rough bark and large leaves trap pollutants, and they were notably resilient during the smog, though not a cure-all.

London Plane Trivia Questions