London plane trees in winter

[Jodie]

Aren't they lovely? I'm lucky enough to have a couple growing
next to my favourite bus stop at Trafalgar Square and they
look stunning without their leaves but with their pom-poms (the
seed pod things) against the grey skies. Destined for moody
black and white photos I should think.

The bark is very interesting as well and they're famous for it.

My question is, bearing in mind I only know about them cos I
see them to and from work every day, do they grow much in
woodlands and do they have any 'bushcrafty' properties?

Don't worry, I shan't be trying anything out on them!

Jo

 

[rich59]

The wood is reported to burn with a long, hot output of heat.

You can make tinder from the fallen leaves in th autumn.

Any more?

 

[Jodie]

Thanks for the leaf info, that will come in handy next autumn. I think
the recent leaf fall has been squashed into the road tarmac!

Why haven't the seeds fallen? They're just hanging there. Very, very
pretty, but a bit baffling.

Same with the Indian Bean Tree (one in Lewisham and I spotted another
one in St. James Church courtyard on Piccadilly). Beans just hanging
there... The one in Piccadilly has its own plaque.

Both types of seed pod started out green and now seem to have
blackened but they don't show much signs of opening or doing
anything that would usually be expected of a seed pod - ie signs of
new life.

I think I need to dig out my book of trees

The other day I emptied my pocket and found a dried and crumbled
gingko (sp?) leaf I'd picked up near the Nat Hist museum. Gorgeous
leaves, but I ended up with bits of it all over my carpet - heh. I should
take better care next time.