Biological Name: Acer pseudoplatanus
Origins / Native Range: Central and southern Europe; naturalized in Britain and Ireland.
Interesting Facts:
• Large, fast-growing tree often considered invasive outside its native range.
• Produces winged seeds that spread easily on the wind.
• Leaves can suffer from tar spot fungus, which causes black blotches but rarely harms the tree.
• Timber is pale, hard, and used in furniture and kitchenware.
Conservation Status: Not threatened – widespread and hardy.