Platanus sp.
(c) Judy Gallagher, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Judy Gallagher · licence
Family: Platanaceae · Type: Tree · Variable; species dependent
Platanus sp. is a non-native California tree in the Platanaceae family.
How to tell it apart
vs Acer: Platanus has fuzzy spiky seed balls hanging on strings; Acer has paired winged seeds (helicopters).; vs Quercus: Platanus bark peels in patches showing lighter colors; oak bark stays intact and produces acorns.; vs Liquidambar: Platanus seed balls are fuzzy-spiky; sweetgum balls are hard and spiny like medieval maces.; vs Populus: Platanus leaves are fuzzy when young with peeling bark; Populus leaves are smooth and bark stays intact.; vs Eucalyptus: Platanus has hand-shaped lobed leaves; Eucalyptus has unlobed, often sickle-shaped leaves.
Frequently asked questions
Is Platanus sp. native to California?
No. Platanus sp. is not native to California (recorded as variable; species dependent).
What plant family does Platanus sp. belong to?
Platanus sp. is in the Platanaceae family, genus Platanus.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.