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Guide botanique

Linden tree.

Tilia

Prononciation TIL-ee-uh

Aussi appelée Basswood, Basswood, Lime, Linden, Lime, Lime Tree, Limes, Linden, Tilleul

lindens, basswoods, and lime trees (genus)
Photo de Oleksandr Shynder (CC BY) via iNaturalist

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

  1. Collect seeds in autumn after they fall.
  2. Soak seeds in water for 24 hours.
  3. Place seeds in moist sand in a bag in the refrigerator for 3 months.
  4. 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

JFMAMJJASOND
Flowering
Fruiting
Foliage

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.

Télécharger l'appli

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.