Do linden trees grow well in cities?

Yes, they are very tolerant of urban pollution and are frequently used as street trees.

How fast do they grow?

They are considered moderate growers, typically adding 30 to 60 centimeters of height per year.

Plant guide

Linden tree.

Tilia

Pronounced TIL-ee-uh

Also known as 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.

At a glance

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

Care

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: -35 to 35°C
Humidity: 40 to 70%
Drought tolerance: Moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 100 to 300 years.
Fragrance: Strong
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water running straight through the pot without soaking in.
Stunted growth despite proper care.

Safety

People: The plant is not considered toxic to humans.
Children: The small, round nutlets are a potential choking hazard for very young children.
Contact allergens: The fuzzy undersides of some linden leaves can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: The heavy, sweet scent of the flowers can trigger hay fever or respiratory discomfort in some people during peak bloom.
Edibility: While linden flowers are commonly used for tea, ensure they are not harvested from trees treated with systemic pesticides.

How to identify it

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: 10 to 20m
Leaves: green, deciduous
Flowers: yellow, white, 1 to 2cm
Fruit: brown, Late summer

Problems to watch for

AphidsCommon
Leaf SpotCommon
Sooty MoldCommon
Leaf ScorchUncommon
Verticillium WiltUncommon
CankerRare

By symptom

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Growing it

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.

Plant shade loving perennials beneath the canopy to take advantage of the natural mulch provided by fallen linden leaves.

Grows well with

Hosta — They thrive in the dappled shade provided by the linden canopy.
Ferns — Ferns appreciate the cool, moist soil conditions found under these trees.

Similar species

Little leaf linden — A smaller, more compact relative often used in residential landscapes.
American linden — A larger native species with broader leaves and a more open habit.

Science

Family: Malvaceae
Genus: Tilia
Order: Malvales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
Conservation: Most Tilia species are common and not of conservation concern.

Linden trees thrive in deep, fertile soils and often form the canopy in mixed deciduous forests.

Value to wildlife: nectar source, supports diverse insect populations
Pollinators: bees
Uses: shade tree, herbal tea, honey production, ornamental street tree

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Light: 6/9
Temperature: 5/9
Moisture: 6/9
Nutrients: 7/9
Soil reaction: 7/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Do linden trees grow well in cities?: Yes, they are very tolerant of urban pollution and are frequently used as street trees.
How fast do they grow?: They are considered moderate growers, typically adding 30 to 60 centimeters of height per year.

Where the name comes from

The name Tilia is the ancient Latin name for the tree, while the common name linden comes from the Old English word for flexible, referring to the pliable inner bark.

Good to know

Linden wood is soft and light, making it a favorite for woodcarvers.
The trees are often called lime trees in Europe, though they are unrelated to the citrus fruit.
Linden flowers have been used in traditional medicine for centuries to help with relaxation.
These trees can live for several hundred years in the right conditions.

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.