By skyforbes Platanus x hispanica ‘Huissen’ (Huissen Maple-leaved Plane, synonym: Platanus x acerifolia ‘Huissen’) was selected by the National Plant Protection Organization of the Netherlands from an avenue in the Dutch city of Huissen in 1981 – just like the ‘Malburg’ selection. The fast-growing plane can reach heights of up to 30 metres, stays narrower than the main species with approx. 15 metres in width, and has a continuous rachis with a semi-open, oval crown. The cultivar was selected for its relatively small crown, which makes the ‘Huissen’ maple-leaved plane a good city tree.
In May, Platanus x hispanica ‘Huissen’ blooms discrete, hanging, spherical, yellow-green flower heads. The palmate lobate slightly hairy leaves bud relatively late. In late April, early May, the first bright green foliage appears, turning brown-yellow to yellow in autumn. Once the leaves have fallen, they stay on the ground for a long time. In autumn, brown, round fruit appear in pairs of two, which are very striking and which stay on the tree until deep into winter. The ‘Huissen’ maple-leaved plane also has beautiful, characteristic plane bark that peels off.
Drought, heat, air pollution, salt spray and brief wet periods: the strong selection can handle it all. It can also handle heavy pruning; the tree is thus perfect for use as a roof-trained plane. The ‘Huissen’ cultivar can handle all types of soil and can handle pavement very well. Its shallow roots are even able to push the pavement; therefore, properly improving the underground habitat is essential. The ‘Huissen’ maple-leaved plane makes for an excellent tree on streets, avenues and squares – provided it has enough room to grow. But the selection is certainly also suitable for planting in parks, central reservations, large gardens and along roads. For the best growth, position Platanus x hispanica ‘Huissen’ in the sun or partial shade.