Guide botanique
Linden tree.
Tilia
Prononciation TIL-ee-uh
Aussi appelée Basswood, Basswood, Lime, Linden, Lime, Lime Tree, Limes, Linden, Tilleul

Linden trees are beloved shade trees known for their heart shaped leaves and fragrant summer flowers. They make wonderful additions to large landscapes due to their stately size and longevity. These trees are quite adaptable and generally easy to maintain once established.
En un coup d'œil
- Care level
- Easy
- Plant type
- Deciduous tree
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Indoor light
- bright-indirect
- Water
- Every 7 to 14 days
- Mature size
- 20 to 30 meters
- Growth rate
- medium
- Hardiness
- USDA 3 to 8
- Bloom time
- Early to mid summer
Entretien
Plant in a spot with deep, fertile soil and ensure it has enough room to spread as it matures. Keep an eye out for aphids, which can sometimes leave a sticky residue on the foliage. Regular monitoring for pests and providing consistent moisture during dry spells will keep your tree thriving.
- Watering
- Water deeply during the first few years and during extended dry periods.
- Feeding
- Apply a balanced slow release fertilizer in early spring.
- Pruning
- Prune during the dormant winter season to maintain shape and remove dead wood.
- Repotting
- Repotting is generally not applicable for mature trees planted in the landscape.
- Soil
- Well drained, loamy soil
- Soil pH
- Neutral to slightly alkaline
- Temperature
- -30 to 35°C
- Humidity
- 40 to 70%
- Drought tolerance
- moderate
- Lifespan
- Perennial, typically 100 to 300 years.
- Fragrance
- strong
- Deer and rabbits
- moderate
Signes qu'il faut rempoter
- Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
- Water running straight through the pot without soaking in.
- Stunted growth despite proper care.
Sécurité
- People
- The plant is generally considered non-toxic to humans.
- Children
- The small, round fruits are not typically a choking hazard, but always supervise young children around garden plants.
- Contact allergens
- The leaves and bark are generally safe, though some people may experience mild skin irritation from handling the foliage.
- Airborne allergens
- The pollen can be a significant allergen for sensitive individuals during the blooming season.
- Edibility
- While linden flowers are often used for tea, ensure you have correctly identified the species as some varieties can cause adverse reactions.
Comment l'identifier
- Heart shaped leaves with serrated edges
- Fragrant yellow white flowers in summer
- Distinctive leafy bracts attached to flower stalks
- Grayish brown bark with vertical ridges
- Height
- 15 to 30m
- Spread
- 9 to 18m
- Leaves
- green, deciduous
- Flowers
- yellow, white, 1 to 2cm
- Fruit
- brown, Autumn
Problèmes courants
- Aphids — These small insects suck sap and leave behind sticky honeydew that can lead to sooty mold.
- Leaf spot — Fungal infections can cause dark spots on leaves, usually during wet seasons.
La cultiver
- Propagation
- seed, cuttings, grafting
- When to plant
- Spring, Autumn
- Overwintering
- No special winter care is needed for established trees as they are fully hardy in temperate climates.
- In containers
- Linden trees are generally too large for containers and are best suited for open ground planting.
Seed Stratification
- Collect seeds in autumn after they fall.
- Soak seeds in water for 24 hours.
- Place seeds in moist sand in a bag in the refrigerator for 3 months.
- Sow in pots in early spring.
Mulch the area beneath the tree canopy to retain moisture and suppress weeds without digging into the shallow root system.
Bonnes associations
- Hostas — They thrive in the dappled shade provided by the linden canopy.
- Ferns — Ferns appreciate the cool, moist soil conditions found under large trees.
À éloigner de
- Grass — Turf grass competes with the tree for water and nutrients near the root zone.
Espèces similaires
- American Linden — This is the primary North American native species with larger leaves.
- Little Leaf Linden — A popular European variety known for its smaller, heart shaped leaves.
Science
- Family
- Malvaceae
- Genus
- Tilia
- Order
- Malvales
- Class
- Magnoliopsida
- Native range
- Temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including Europe, Asia, and North America.
- Conservation
- Most Tilia species are common and not of conservation concern, though some regional varieties are protected.
Linden trees thrive in deep, fertile soils and often dominate forest edges where they provide vital resources for pollinators.
- Value to wildlife
- nectar source, nesting habitat
- Pollinators
- bees
- Uses
- ornamental shade tree, herbal tea, honey production
Au fil des saisons
Repères écologiques
- Salinity
- 2/9
- Soil reaction
- 6/9
- Light
- 6/9
- Temperature
- 5/9
- Moisture
- 6/9
- Nutrients
- 7/9
Taxonomie vérifiée avec le GBIF.
Ce qu'on demande souvent
- How big do they get?
- Most species grow into large, majestic shade trees reaching 50 to 80 feet tall.
- Do they need much water?
- They prefer consistent moisture and do not handle extreme drought well.
D'où vient le nom
The name Tilia is the ancient Latin name for the lime tree. The common name linden is derived from the Old English word for flexible, referring to the pliable inner bark.
Bon à savoir
- Linden wood is soft and light, making it a favorite for woodcarvers.
- In many European cultures, the linden tree is a symbol of love and friendship.
- The flowers are highly aromatic and can scent an entire garden in summer.
- Linden trees can live for several hundred years.
Ton linden tree a mauvaise mine ?
Cette page est un guide général. Pocket Botanist diagnostique les problèmes directement à partir d'une photo de ta plante, adapte l'arrosage à sa luminosité et te prévient quand il faut t'en occuper.
Ce guide a été généré par IA et vérifié avec la taxonomie du GBIF. Il s'agit d'informations générales, et non de conseils horticoles ou vétérinaires. Découvre comment nous concevons ces guides.