January 2026

As a cousin of the American sycamore, London Planetree combines genetic diversity with urban durability. It tolerates air pollution, compacted soils, variable moisture conditions, and heat, all common challenges in urban areas, while continuing to deliver strong growth and consistent form.

At Spring Grove Nursery, we grow two improved cultivars, Exclamation!™ and Monumental, selected specifically for structure, disease resistance, and long-term municipal performance.

Exclamation!™ London Planetree

(Platanus × acerifolia ‘Morton Circle’)

Exclamation!™ offers an upright form well-suited for streetscapes and parkways where space and clearance are critical considerations. Its pyramidal habit and strong central leader support predictable branching structure, reducing the need for corrective pruning over time. Developed through the Chicagoland Grows® program, Exclamation!™ demonstrates improved resistance to anthracnose and powdery mildew helping municipalities reduce maintenance inputs while maintaining canopy health and appearance.

Monumental London Planetree

(Platanus × acerifolia ‘Morton Naper’)

For larger public spaces, Monumental delivers scale and symmetry. With a broad pyramidal canopy and dense branching habit, this cultivar excels in parks, campus settings, yards – anywhere that lends itself to growth and shade. Monumental’s strong central leader and balanced structure support longevity and stability, while its large canopy contributes meaningfully to urban heat mitigation and stormwater interception. Its exfoliating bark provides year-round visual interest, particularly in winter months when many urban landscapes lack seasonal character.

Designed for Urban Conditions

Both Exclamation!™ and Monumental are well-adapted for community plantings. They tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay and compacted soils, and perform best in full sun. Once established, these cultivars require minimal intervention beyond routine structural pruning and early care. London Planetrees develop into reliable, long-lived components of the urban forest, supporting canopy goals while minimizing long-term management challenges.

A Reliable Choice for Growing Canopy

London Planetree continues to be a valuable option for communities working to expand and diversify their urban canopy. With improved cultivars like Exclamation!™ and Monumental, Planetrees offer enhanced structure, disease resistance, and predictable performance.

At Spring Grove Nursery, we grow trees with the future in mind, supporting communities as they invest in healthy trees, deep roots, and strong urban forests that serve generations to come!