Start growing
Slow to moderate growth. Likes deep, rich, moist soil and full sun.
GROW SOMETHING WONDERFUL
American Linden
Tilia americana
Your guide to planting, growing, and getting to know this plant.
THE PLANT NOTEBOOK
American Linden care, from seed onward.
- Botanical name
- Tilia americana
- Common names
- Basswood, Lime Tree
- Family
- Malvaceae
- Genus
- Tilia
- Species
- T. americana
Growing with your kit
American Linden seeds have a hard coat. Seeds In A Cup® recommends the 'Hot Soak' methodology for better germination.
Propagation
By seed, layers, or grafting.
Seasonal growth & harvest
Blooms in early summer; flowers produce high-quality honey.
Growing conditions
Moist, fertile soils in hardwood forests.
Weather & tolerances
Moderate shade tolerance; low salt tolerance.
Pests & plant health
Aphids (produce sticky honeydew) and Japanese beetles.
Plant safety
Safe for humans and pets.
Botanical features
A large deciduous tree with large heart-shaped leaves and fragrant, nectar-rich yellow flowers.
Varieties
‘Redmond’, ‘Legend’.
Garden & everyday uses
Wood is soft and prized for wood carving. flowers used for soothing herbal tea
Native range & distribution
Eastern North America, from Canada to Arkansas.
Conservation
Least concern.
Name origins
From the Greek ‘ptilon’ (wing), referring to the bracts attached to the flower clusters.
History
Indigenous Americans used the inner bark (bast) to make rope, mats, and baskets.