July Tree of the Month-American Linden

The American linden, or basswood tree, Tilia americana, is one of our largest native shade trees. Naturally found on slopes, at the base of bluffs, or along streams, when planted in a park-like setting with good soil, it can reach 50-80′ in height or more with its beautiful, rounded crown. 

In late spring/early summer, the fragrant pale-yellow flowers attract pollinators and perfume the entire area. Linden honey is prized for its quality, and Linden wood has many uses, from furniture to pulp, even rope from the inner bark. A tiny, nut-like seed with a narrow ‘wing’ is a key ID feature and the source of its botanical name-Tilia, meaning ‘wing.’ 

Mary Easton Sibley established Linden Wood School for Girls in 1827, named for the linden trees that were abundant in the area that is now the ever-sprawling campus of Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Mo.

Numerous cultivars of the European Lindens (or limes as they are called in the UK) have greater pollution tolerance with smaller habits and seem to be preferred in the trade. Little leaf linden, Tilia cordata, appears to be the most popular. There are a few cultivars available of the native with pyramidal or compact forms, but they can be hard to find.

What I love about this plant

–The history. 

-The fragrant flowers that can perfume an entire neighborhood or park. 

-It’s a great native pollinator plant. 

-The classic mature habit in a park-like setting is beautiful. 

-Relatively fast-growing. 

What’s not so great

–Might be the number-one preferred dinner choice for Japanese beetles, which do a thorough job of skeletonizing the heart-shaped leaves. 

-The winged fruits can make quite the mess when they drop, so keep that in mind for placement near walkways, drives, or your gutters.

Words and photos by Jo Batzer

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