Tilia

( TILL - ee - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of deciduous trees is commonly called Linden, Basswood, or Lime Tree, and includes dense trees that are quite handsome and used commonly as shade trees. These trees need full sun and regular water, and develop fragrant yellow-white flower clusters in late spring and early summertime. Leaves are green and heart shaped, and nuts that follow flowers have papery bracts. Fall color varies depending on the species.

tilia Species and Varietals

The genus Linden trees grow well in zones 1-17, though this varies somewhat depending on the species grown. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Tilia americana (American Linden, Basswood)
This species is native to eastern North America and reach 40-60 feet tall and 20-25 feet wide, with dark green leaves. Trunks are straight and the tree has a narrow crown. Variety 'Redmond' has a pyramid shape and glossy leaves. Other popularly grown cultivars include 'Nova', 'Duros', and 'Frontyard'.

Tilia amurensis (Amur Lime, Amur Linden)
These trees are native to Russia, China, and Korea, where it is used as a timber tree and occasionally planted as a street tree in cooler-climate areas. These medium-sized trees reach up to 100 feet tall when mature, and prefers fertile, well-draining loamy soil but is adaptable to a relatively wide range of soil conditions.

Tilia chingiana
This species of deciduous tree has grey, smooth bark and reaches about 50 feet tall when mature. Leaves are heart-shaped. Native to China, these trees bloom in June and July, producing cream to white blossoms. This species has been widely introduced to Europe and North America.

Tilia cordata (Little-Leaf Linden, Small-Leaved Lime, Pry Tree)
This European native forms a dense pyramid 30-50 feet tall and 15-30 feet wide, with dark green leaves that have silvery undersides. These plants are tolerant of a wide range of conditions, and can be pruned into a hedge, used as a patio tree, or can line streets. These are also great shade trees for lawn areas. Varieties include 'Corinthian' (45 feet tall and 15 feet wide), 'Greenspire' (oval to pyramid-shaped canopy), 'Shamrock' (symmetrical pyramid shape), and 'Summer Sprite' (to 20 feet tall and 10 feet wide at a slow growth rate).

Tilia x euchlora (Crimean Linden)
This hybrid species reaches 25-35 feet tall (eventually 50 feet given ample space), and almost as wide. Branches are somewhat pendulous and leaves are glossy green on top, pale underneath. Great shade tree.

Tilia x flavescens 'Glenleven' (Tilia cordata 'Glenleven')
This hybrid quickly reaches 65 feet tall and 40 feet wide, with a loose, open pyramid or oval shape.

Tilia japonica (Japanese Lime, Japanese Linden)
This species is native to China and Japan, where it grows amongst mountain ranges. It is commonly grown as an ornamental tree, especially in its form 'Ernest Wilson'. These trees are also a source for premium honey products.

Tilia mongolica 'Harvest Gold'
Upright tree to 40 feet tall and about as wide. Leaves are toothed and glossy green, turning yellow in autumn. Bark is flaking and interesting.

Tilia oliveri (Chinese White Lime, Oliver's Lime)
This species of Tilia is native to central and southeastern areas of China, and has found use as a street tree both in its native range and in the United Kingdom. These trees are not commercially available in the United States.

Tilia platyphyllos (Large-Leaved Lime, Large-Leaved Linden)
This species of deciduous trees are native to continental Europe and Great Britain. These trees have a narrow, dome-shaped crown and green foliage. It reaches up to 130 feet tall when mature, and produces small, fragrant yellow-white flowers.

Tilia tomentosa (Silver Linden, Silver Lime)
This species performs best in zones 2-21 and is native to western Asia and Europe. It reaches 40-50 feet tall and 20-30 feet wide, with light green leaves that are silvery underneath. Varieties include 'Sterling' (with silvery new foliage and a great wintertime silhouette), 'Brabant' (with a strong central stem and symmetrical crown), and 'Petiolaris' (also called Pendent or Weeping Silver Lime).