Tilia americana - American Linden

Sizes available: 6-12" bare root whips coming in Spring, 2026, available for pre-order

Basics: zones 2-8, can get 100' tall at maturity with a trunk diameter of 3-5' and a canopy that can be 30-60' wide, full sun to part shade, needs 14.5 hours of daylight in order to bloom (late spring to early summer). The flower is fragrant, small, and yellowish-white. Nutlets form late in the season. The tree leafs out prior to bloom. Likes a medium moist, deep, fertile, well-drained loam, but is somewhat drought tolerant once established. 

Common names: American Linden, American Basswood, Bee Tree, Lime Tree, White Basswood, White Wood

Family: Malvaceae

Origin/Distribution: Occurs in eastern and central North America including all of New England. There is also a disjunct population in Texas.

Habitat: Often occurs in mountainous regions in the warmer parts of its range. It is present in a variety of habitats, both dry uplands and low, moist woodlands. It often grows in association with Sugar Maples. According to Go Botany in Maine it is found mostly in river and stream flood plains and forests. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center says it is found in "upland, deciduous woods, north and east slopes of mesic ravines".

More: I love this tree and have a lot to write about it, so a longer entry will be coming soon. Meanwhile, here are a few details. It is a fast growing tree and can live for up to 200 years. It definitely needs to be protected from herbivory in its youth. It is often planted as a street tree which is a testament to its adaptability. The inner bark has been used as a basketry material. The nectar is prized for honey. The leaves and flowers are edible. The wood has many uses. Has also been used medicinally, but over-use is potentially toxic, so proceed with caution.

Source: whips from Cold Stream Farm - available for pre-order, but will also be up-potted and grown on to a larger size at Honey Petal Plants and sold at a later date

Image credits: Wikimedia Commons