Little-leaf linden.

At a glance

Care level

Easy

Plant type

Deciduous tree

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Indoor light

Direct sun

Water

Every 7 to 14 days

Mature size

50 to 80 feet

Growth rate

Medium

Hardiness

USDA 3 to 7

Bloom time

Early to mid summer

Care

Plant this tree in a spot with plenty of room for its roots to spread. Keep an eye out for aphids, which can sometimes leave a sticky residue on the leaves. Ensure the soil stays moist but well-drained to keep it happy.

Watering

Water deeply during dry spells to help the tree establish a strong root system.

Feeding

Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring before new growth appears.

Pruning

Prune during the dormant winter season to maintain a strong central leader.

Repotting

This tree is meant for outdoor planting and is not suitable for containers.

Soil

Well-drained, fertile loam

Soil pH

Neutral to slightly alkaline

Temperature

-35 to 35°C

Humidity

40 to 70%

Safety

People

This tree is generally considered non toxic to humans.

Children

The small, nut like fruits are not a significant choking hazard, but they should not be consumed.

Contact allergens

The leaves and bark are not typically irritating to the skin.

Airborne allergens

The pollen can cause mild seasonal allergies in sensitive individuals during the flowering period.

Edibility

While the flowers are often used for tea, ensure they are harvested from trees away from heavy traffic pollution.

How to identify it

• Heart-shaped leaves with serrated edges
• Fragrant yellow-white flower clusters
• Small round nutlets with leafy bracts
• Pyramidal growth habit when young
• Dark gray, furrowed bark

Height

15 to 25m

Spread

8 to 15m

Leaves

green, deciduous

Flowers

yellow, white, 1 to 1.5cm

Fruit

brown, late summer

Problems to watch for

• Aphids · These tiny insects can cause honeydew buildup on leaves and surfaces below the tree.
• Leaf spot · Fungal infections can cause spots on leaves during wet seasons.

Growing it

Propagation

seed, cuttings

When to plant

spring, autumn

Plant shade tolerant perennials around the base to suppress weeds and keep the soil cool.

Grows well with

• English Ivy · It acts as a groundcover that helps retain moisture around the base.
• Hosta · These shade loving perennials thrive in the dappled light beneath the canopy.

Similar species

• Large leaved lime · It is a close relative but has larger leaves and a slightly different growth habit.

Science

Family

Malvaceae

Genus

Tilia

Order

Malvales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Europe and western Asia.

Conservation

This species is widespread and not of conservation concern.

It thrives in deep, fertile soils and often dominates in mixed deciduous woodlands.

Value to wildlife

nectar source, supports diverse insect populations

Pollinators

bees

Uses

shade tree, ornamental street tree, herbal tea production, honey production

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Does it grow well in cities?

Yes, it is quite tolerant of urban pollution and compacted soil.

How fast does it grow?

It has a moderate growth rate, typically adding 30 to 60 centimeters per year.

Where the name comes from

The name Tilia is the ancient Latin name for the lime tree, while cordata refers to the heart shaped leaves.

Good to know

• The wood is very soft and often used for carving.
• It is a classic choice for formal avenues in European cities.
• The heart shaped leaves turn a lovely yellow in the autumn.
• It can live for several hundred years in ideal conditions.