Tilia americana
American Linden, Basswood
Mature Size, Growth, Longevity
Average mature size of 60-80' tall and 30-60' wide. Medium growth rate, 20-30' over a 20 year period. Medium lifespan, commonly to 150-200 years.
Native Range
, Canada to Virginia and Alabama, west to N. Dakota and Texas, Maine to Florida.
Flower and Fruit Details
Flowers are perfect, pale yellow, 0.50" wide, fragrant, borne in pendulous cymes 2-3" wide, occurring in mid-late June. Fruits are nut-like, 0.33-0.50" long, grayish, thick-shelled, occuring September through late October.
Leaf and Bark Features
Pale yellow fall color. Bark is gray to brown, broken into many long, narrow, scaly ridges.
Culture and Care
Transplants readily. Prefers deep, moist, fertile soils, pH adaptable, full sun or partial shade. Not particularly air pollutant tolerant. Zones 3b-8. Scales and Linden mite can be problems, and are often serious when they occur. Many insect area problematic, a few are Walnut lace bug, Basswood leaf miner, Elm saw fly, thrips and Linden borer.