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.

Plant guide

Linden tree.

Tilia

Pronounced TIL-ee-uh

Also known as Basswood, Basswood, Lime, Linden, Lime, Lime Tree, Limes, Linden, Tilleul

lindens, basswoods, and lime trees (genus) — Photo by 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.

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: -30 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 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.

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: 9 to 18m
Leaves: green, deciduous
Flowers: yellow, white, 1 to 2cm
Fruit: brown, Autumn

Common problems

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.

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.

Mulch the area beneath the tree canopy to retain moisture and suppress weeds without digging into the shallow root system.

Grows well with

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

Keep away from

Grass — Turf grass competes with the tree for water and nutrients near the root zone.

Similar species

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

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

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

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

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.

Where the name comes from

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.

Good to know

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.

Is your linden tree looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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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.