A linden is a deciduous shade tree in the genus Tilia, known as basswood in its native North American form and as lime in Britain, grown for its dense crown and fragrant early summer flowers. It is identified most easily by its heart shaped, finely toothed leaves with a lopsided base and by the long, pale, leaflike bract attached to each flower and seed cluster.

Why is the leaflike bract the clearest linden clue?

Because few other common trees carry anything like it. Each cluster of flowers, and later seeds, hangs from a narrow, pale green bract several inches long, and the bract stays attached into fall, when it acts as a wing that carries the seeds away on the wind.

What do linden leaves look like?

Heart shaped, with fine teeth along the edge, a pointed tip, and a base that is noticeably uneven from one side to the other. The leaves alternate along the twig, and size helps separate species: American linden leaves often reach 4 to 6 inches or more, while littleleaf linden leaves stay around 2 to 3 inches.

How do bark, buds, and flowers confirm a linden?

They add three more checks. Young bark is smooth and gray, becoming furrowed with flat ridges on older trunks, and winter buds are plump, often reddish, and lopsided, with only two or three visible scales. In early summer, small pale yellow flowers open in hanging clusters with a sweet scent that draws bees.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big does a linden grow?

It depends on the species. American linden commonly reaches 60 to 80 feet, while littleleaf linden usually stays between 40 and 60 feet.

Why are linden leaves sometimes lacy or sticky?

Insects are the usual cause. Japanese beetles chew leaves down to a lacy skeleton and aphids leave a sticky residue called honeydew, and TreeHelp's guide How to Get Rid of Japanese Beetles Feeding on Trees covers the beetles.

Do lindens send up shoots from the base?

Often. Sprouts commonly appear around the trunk base and are easiest to prune off while small.

How is a mature linden fed?

With a slow release tree fertilizer in spring or fall. One 3.3 lb bag of TreeHelp Premium Fertilizer, chosen by tree type with a General option for species not on its list, treats one mature tree.