Genus Tilia (Linden)

Tilia americana Photo/Illustration: Michael Dirr

TIL-ee-ah Common Name: Linden

The genus Tilia is comprised of deciduous trees in 20 to 45 species from woodland in Europe, Asia, and North America. Their stately habit makes them great specimen or street trees. The fragrant flowers are borne mostly in summer and are cup-shaped and white, cream, or yellow. Bark is smooth and silvery gray; older trees have fissured bark. The fruit is dry and nut-like. Some species have colorful winter shoots.
Noteworthy characteristics: Stately habit; fissured bark on old trees; fragrant flowers that attract bees. The nectar of T. tomentosa and T. 'Petiolaris' may be toxic to bumblebees.
Care: Moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade, preferably in alkaline to neutral soil. Won't tolerate very dry soils or strong wind.
Propagation: After stratifying seed for 3 to 5 months, sow in containers in a cold frame in spring, or as soon as ripe in autumn. (Lindens hybridize freely, and the seedlings may be of variable quality.) Bud in late summer.
Problems: Anthracnose, butt rot, canker, powdery mildew, bacterial leaf spot, caterpillars (including gypsy moths), lace bugs, aphids, borers, Japanese beetles, and mites all occur.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Tilia

Tilia americana
(American linden, Basswood) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

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This deciduous tree with dense foliage and a stately habit produces hanging clusters of fragrant yellow flowers in mid-summer. It grows in a broadly columnar shape and has dark green leaves that are glossy underneath. Basswood makes a good specimen or street tree, although it doesn't tolerate pollution. It can grow as tall as 80 feet with a width of 50 feet. It attracts bees; basswood honey is a sought-after gourmet food.

Tilia petiolaris
(weeping silver linden, pendant silver linden) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

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This tall, deciuous tree has weeping branches rather than a weeping habit. The backs of its dark green leaves are fuzzy and white, turning the tree silver in a breeze. It grows to 70 feet tall and 40 feet wide. This is a tough tree with hanging clusters of small, pale yellow, fragrant flowers in summer.

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