Platanus orientalis 'digitata'

Platanus orientalis 'Digitata', known as the Oriental Plane Tree 'Digitata', is an impressive deciduous tree notable for its large, distinctive hand-shaped leaves and majestic canopy. Growing typically between 20 to 30 meters tall—and occasionally up to 40 meters—it provides excellent shade and a dramatic focal point for urban and large-scale landscapes.

Its broad spread of 15 to 25 meters and naturally upright, spreading habit make it ideal as a shade or specimen tree in parks, streetscapes, and expansive gardens. The smooth, pale bark exfoliates in patches, revealing a beautiful mosaic of creamy-white, green, and tan tones that adds year-round textural interest.

In spring, it produces inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers followed by spherical fruiting balls. The deeply lobed, digitate leaves turn vibrant yellows and browns in autumn, enhancing seasonal appeal.

This tree thrives in full sun and adapts well to various soils. It is drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal pruning to maintain health and form, making it a durable and low-maintenance choice for many settings.

Common Name: Oriental Plane Tree 'Digitata'

Genus: Platanus

Botanical Species: orientalis

Family: Platanaceae

Botanical Name: Platanus orientalis 'Digitata'

• Street Tree
• Avenue Planting
• Shade Tree
• Feature Tree
• Council or Civic Landscapes

Platanus orientalis 'digitata' works in an:

• Heritage / Traditional Garden – timeless, classic plantings for period homes.
• Woodland Garden – layered, naturalistic design under dappled light.
• Formal Garden – structured, symmetrical design with clipped shapes.

Platanus orientalis 'digitata' is an Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months) Tree

Mature Height: 15m - 25m Approximately

Mature Width: 15 – 25 meters

Platanus orientalis 'digitata' is expected to grow Approx. 30cm – 60 cm per year.

Platanus orientalis 'digitata' is expected to grow Approx. 30cm – 60 cm per year.

They are considered to have a:

• Fast Growth Rate

Is Platanus orientalis 'digitata' frost tolerant?

Platanus orientalis 'digitata' is Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

• Northern NSW (Byron, Coffs, Armidale)
• Inland NSW / Tablelands (Orange, Bathurst, Canberra)
• Sydney & Central Coast
• South Coast NSW (Illawarra to Bega)
• Melbourne & Surrounds (Metro, Bayside, Geelong, Bellarine, Mornington)
• Western District & Central VIC (Ballarat, Bendigo, Hamilton)
• Gippsland (Latrobe Valley, East Gippsland)
• Alpine / High Country (Bright, Mansfield)
• Adelaide Metro & Coastal
• Adelaide Hills & Barossa

Platanus orientalis ‘Digitata’ produces small, spherical clusters of greenish-yellow flowers in spring. Though subtle, these rounded blooms sit neatly along the branches and mature into the familiar spiky seed balls that persist into autumn and winter.

Does Platanus orientalis 'digitata' flower?

• No - Doesn't Flower

Flowering Period:

• Spring

Flower Type:

• Not Applicable

Flower Colour:

Not Applicable

No

Platanus orientalis 'digitata' is Native to Derived from Platanus orientalis (Oriental Plane), which is native to southeastern Europe and western Asia, where it grows naturally along river valleys and moist lowlands.

Its spring flowers support early pollinating insects, while the persistent seed balls provide food for certain bird species. The wide, spreading canopy offers excellent shelter, shade and nesting habitat for birds, supporting biodiversity in parks, avenues and large garden landscapes.

Platanus orientalis 'digitata' will thrive best in:

• Full Sun

Platanus orientalis ‘Digitata’ performs best in fertile, well-drained loam or sandy loam soils and tolerates a wide pH range from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. It will adapt to poorer, compacted and urban soils but may struggle in heavy, waterlogged clay unless improved with organic matter to enhance structure and drainage. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then transition to deep, occasional watering as the tree matures to support drought resilience, vigorous canopy growth and long-term landscape performance.

Is Platanus orientalis 'digitata' Drought tolerant?

As a young tree it requires regular watering, but once established ‘Digitata’ develops strong drought tolerance. Hardy and resilient, it thrives in hot, dry, exposed and urban settings, maintaining a large, deeply lobed canopy with only occasional deep watering during extended dry periods.