American Linden

Tilia americana

Malvaceae, formerly Tiliaceae · broadleaf deciduous tree · introduced

Last updated

American linden (American basswood) is a broadleaf native to eastern North America, reaching 60-80 ft with gray-brown bark and a single-stem, erect form. It produces fragrant yellow flowers after full leaf expansion and has medium-textured green foliage.

American linden is hardy in zones 3b-8b and tolerates part shade with well-drained soil (pH 5.0-6.6). It requires high moisture and benefits from occasional pruning or pollarding for structure. It attracts birds and butterflies and is susceptible to insect pests. Frequent consumption of the tea may cause heart damage.

Plant Profile

Size & Form

Height
60–80 ft
Spread
39 ft
Growth Rate
Moderate
Size at 20 yr
50 ft
Lifespan
Moderate

Site Requirements

Light
Part Shade
Soil Drainage
Well Drained
Soil pH
5.0-6.6
Water
High
Drought Tolerance
Low
Hardiness
Zones 3b–8b

Ornamental Interest

Bloom Time
June
Fall Color
Yellow
Origin
covers much of eastern North America; from New Brunswick and Maine west to southern Quebec
Watch for this season
AphidHigh

Peak Population & Dispersal

Fall webwormHigh

Larval Feeding & Web Building

Sooty MoldModerate

Heavy Mold Colonization

Lecanium scaleModerate

Spring Feeding & Egg Production

Diseases: Regionally Documented (3)

Pests: Regionally Documented (7)

Phenological Calendar

View full calendar (8 stages)
Stage Typical Window
Bud break BBCH 07 Feb 15-Mar 15
Leaf emergence BBCH 11 Mar 1-Apr 1
Bloom start BBCH 61 Jun 1-Jun 30
Bloom end / petal fall BBCH 69 Jun 15-Jul 15
Fruit/seed development BBCH 71 Jun 1-Aug 31
Fruit/seed maturity BBCH 85 Sep 1-Nov 30
Leaf drop BBCH 93 Oct 15-Nov 30
Dormancy BBCH 97 Nov 15-Feb 28
Cultivars (2)
'Continental Appeal' Continental Appeal™
Common name: Continental Appeal Linden Continental Appeal Basswood; Mature height: 50 ft
Hardy to USDA Zone 4
'Redmond'
Data Maturity
Structured Multiple sources. Expert review underway.