Linden Tree Identification
- Tree Habit Linden trees, regardless of species or hybrid origins, develop a broad and rounded or column-like shape. ...
- Leaves Leaves of lindens are arranged alternately on the branches and youngest twigs. ...
- Flowers From late spring to midsummer, linden trees produce fragrant flowers. ...
- Fruits After pollination, the flowers develop into oval, pea-size fruits called nutlets. ...
- Winter Identification ...
What does a linden tree look like?
Linden trees can be identified by their characteristic ridged light gray bark, huge heart-shaped, dark green leaves, and showy clusters of yellowish flowers. Linden trees also have an identifiable conical, oval crown with densely growing foliage.
How many types of linden trees are there?
Linden Trees: Types, Leaves, Flowers, Bark – Identification (with Pictures) 1 Linden Tree Facts. The flowering deciduous linden trees are typically large and suitable for landscaping spacious areas. There are around 30 species ... 2 Linden Tree Leaves. 3 Linden Tree Flower. 4 Linden Tree Bark. 5 Linden Tree Seeds. More items
What should I know before planting a linden tree?
One thing to consider before planting a linden tree is that linden trees are somewhat messy. Apart from having to clear a lot of bright yellow leaves in the fall, lindens secrete a sticky sap. This secretion sticks to cars, pathways, your lawn, and even your clothes. Linden Tree Leaves
What is the difference between a linden tree and an Aspen?
They have dark-green heart-shaped leaves, which are similar to aspen tree leaves but much larger. The linden tree's flowers, a favorite of bees, make their showing from May to July. Some beekeepers cultivate lindens specifically to boost honey production. 1 Here are 10 species of linden trees to consider for your landscape.
Are linden and basswood trees the same?
The fundamental difference between basswood trees and linden trees is that basswood trees are a type of linden tree. When compared to other linden trees, basswood trees are different in several ways, including their growing zones, height at maturity, pests, uses, and growth rates.
Are there different types of linden trees?
Tilia cordataTilia platyphyllosBasswoodSilver LindenTilia × europaeaTilia henryanaLindens/Lower classifications
Is Tilia the same as linden?
Tilia is a genus of about 30 species of trees or bushes, native throughout most of the temperate Northern Hemisphere. The tree is known as linden for the European species, and basswood for North American species.
What are linden trees good for?
Overview. Linden is a tree. The dried flower, leaves, and wood are used for medicine. Linden leaf is used for colds, stuffy nose, sore throat, breathing problems (bronchitis), headaches, fever, and to make it easier to bring up phlegm by coughing (as an expectorant).
Why are linden trees so messy?
Linden trees are so messy because of aphids! Linden flowers secrete a substance that attracts aphids, who then excrete a honeydew, leaving things covered and messy. There are a few trees you can grow in place of linden trees, such as Allegheny serviceberry, dogwood, river birch, magnolia, or redbud.
Are all linden trees edible?
Linden trees are not only beautiful, but they're also edible! Every part of the linden tree is delicious, and many parts are medicinal too.
Should linden trees be pruned?
These trees should be pruned in fall after the leaves have dropped or in early spring, before the sap starts to flow (March). If needed, a few small branches can be removed in summer after the leaves have reached full size.
What is the difference between a linden tree and lime tree?
Linden trees (Tilia), also known as lime trees or basswood trees, were once very common in Britain. Today, they are considered a remnant of ancient woodland, and if you spot one in the woods, it could be a sign that you are in a rare habitat. The grand trees tend to be found in urban spaces and parks nowadays instead.
What is the linden tree also called?
The American linden, also called basswood or whitewood (Tilia americana), is a large shade tree reaching 40 metres (130 feet) in height. It provides wood for beehives, crating, furniture, and excelsior, and it is a popular bee tree.
What part of the linden tree is used for tea?
flowersLinden tea is made by brewing the dried flowers, and sometimes the leaves and bark, of the Linden tree. This tree is part of the Tilla genus, and it mostly grows in temperate climates like northern Asia, Europe, and North America.
Do bees like linden trees?
Linden trees — fragrant shade trees found across the Midwest — have long provided bees with vital pollen and nectar. But occasionally, dead bumble bees have been observed beneath flowering linden trees, as well.
What happens if you drink linden tea everyday?
Long-term use is linked to heart disease Linden tea and other products derived from the Tilia tree family should not be used by those with a history of heart conditions. Frequent, long-term use has been linked to heart disease and damage in rare cases ( 12 , 21). For this reason, it's best to drink it in moderation.
Is there a small linden tree?
The silver linden (Tilia tomentosa) is a smaller species, usually reaching a height of 30 to 40 feet at maturity.
Are linden trees male or female?
Lindens are hermaphroditic, having perfect flowers with both male and female parts, pollinated by insects.
Is a linden tree a good tree?
It's a hardy, tough tree that tolerates air pollution, poor soils and other factors commonly found in urban settings. Linden trees are hardy throughout New England. Purchase trees from your local nursery and plant from spring to early fall in a full to part sun location.
Are linden roots invasive?
Although leaf and seed litter from American linden does not pose a significant problem, the tree's large spreading root system can threaten nearby structures, drainage systems and other plants.
How to identify a Linden tree?
Linden trees can be identified by their characteristic ridged light gray bark, huge heart-shaped, dark green leaves, and showy clusters of yellowish flowers. Linden trees also have an identifiable conical, oval crown with densely growing foliage .
What are the leaves of a Linden tree?
A close up picture of linden tree leaf (left) and autumn foliage (right) Linden tree leaves are broadly ovate, dark green in a heart shape or an ovate triangular shape. The leaves of linden trees have coarsely serrated margins and are arranged alternately.
How tall is a Carolina basswood tree?
The Carolina basswood is a deciduous medium to large tree with serrated ovate leaves, yellowish flowers, and rough gray bark. The American linden tree cultivar grows between 70 and 80 ft. (21 – 24 m) tall in USDA zones. You can identify the Carolina linden tree by its vast leaves up to 7” (21 cm) long and 5.5” (14 cm) wide.
What is the name of the tree with a heart shaped leaf?
Also called the American basswood, the American linden tree ( Tilia americana) is native to North America. The large American linden tree is identified by large ovate or heart-shaped leaves, gray fissured bark, and an ovate-rounded crown. As an imposing native tree, the American linden grows between 50 and 80 ft. (15 – 25 m) tall and up to 50 ft. (15 m) wide.
Why do linden trees bloom?
All species of linden trees flower and are known for their fragrant yellowish flowers that bloom in summer. The fragrant linden tree flowers attract bees. The honey produced by bees that pollinate linden trees is of superior quality. Some beekeepers grow linden trees specifically for the delicious honey that the bees produce. This fact gives the linden tree another common name—bee tree or honeybee tree.
What is the best soil for linden basswood?
In a garden landscape, the tree grows best in full sun or partial shade. It is best to plant the American linden tree in fertile, well-draining loamy soil that stays relatively moist.
How tall is a large leafed lime tree?
As a beautiful shade tree, the large-leaved lime (Tilia platyphyllos) grows up to 80 ft. (24 m) tall and 50 ft. (15 m) wide. As with all flowering linden trees, the large-leaved linden attracts bees in the summer. Large-leaved lime tree flowers. The hardy large-leaved lime tree thrives in USDA zones 2 – 6.
How to tell if a Linden tree is dormant?
When lindens are dormant in winter and lack any leaf, flower or fruit to help in identification from other trees, clues from the bark and buds can help. Look at the youngest twigs. Linden trees will reveal alternately arranged buds that lack any spines and have at least one scale. A twig lacks a definite bud at the end, although a bud may lie just to the side of the tip of the twig. At the base of each bud is a leaf scar from last year's leaf. A close examination shows a group of three rounded vascular scars. Also note that the bud on the twig is lopsided, as if pushed off of the twig or partially jutting out.
What are the leaves of Lindens?
Leaves of lindens are arranged alternately on the branches and youngest twigs. The leaf blade is rounded or oval overall and forms a tapering tip. The base of the leaf looks like a heart. Edges of leaves bear teeth or shallow lobes.
What are green leaves?
Green leaves image by BlackFox from Fotolia.com. Grown as specimen lawn trees, shade or street trees, lindens (Tilia spp.) are among the most favored deciduous trees for landscapes in North America, Asia and Europe. Appreciating moist, fertile soils that drain well, they often create suckering shoots from their trunks or surface roots ...
What is the scar on the base of a bud?
At the base of each bud is a leaf scar from last year's leaf. A close examination shows a group of three rounded vascular scars. Also note that the bud on the twig is lopsided, as if pushed off of the twig or partially jutting out. After pollination, the flowers develop into oval, pea-size fruits called nutlets.
What do nutlets look like?
Fruits. After pollination, the flowers develop into oval, pea-size fruits called nutlets. They first look soft green but ripen to more olive-green or green-beige. They linger on the tree until late summer or early fall before dropping to the ground.
When do linden trees produce flowers?
Flowers. From late spring to midsummer, linden trees produce fragrant flowers. Colored ivory to green-yellow, they do not create an ornamental effect since they are so small. Along the youngest twigs from the base of leaves, long, thin stalks emerge with a large, narrow bract or modified leaf.
Do lindens need to be pruned?
The suckers will be pruned annually in formal gardens, but pruning scars or twig stumps will remain. Grown as specimen lawn trees, shade or street trees, lindens (Tilia spp.) Appreciating moist, fertile soils that drain well, they often create suckering shoots from their trunks or surface roots to form thickets.
Where can I find linden trees?
Tilia americana is found throughout the Northeastern and North Central United States from Minnesota to Missouri in the West to Maine and Virginia in the East. Other linden tree species are also found in this range, most notably little leaf linden which is commonly planted as a landscape tree (and has more fragrant flowers).
Where is Linden tree found?
The Linden tree ( Tilia sp.), also known as Basswood, Honey-Tree, Bee Tree or Lime Tree, is a common deciduous tree found throughout the northern hemisphere.
What is Linden sap?
Linden Sap. Linden is part of a large group of hardwood trees you can tap for syrup . The sap runs for a brief period in the early spring. While maple sap is roughly 3-5% sugar, linden sap is only roughly 1% and will take a lot more sap to make a gallon of syrup (~120 gallons instead of ~40 for maple). ( Source)
What kind of bees are on linden trees?
Around these parts, the trees are often covered by both native bees and honey bees collecting the sweet linden nectar.
How long do you dry linden flowers?
Set the dehydrator to the lowest temperature setting (usually around 100 to 110 degrees) and dry the linden flowers for 6 to 18 hours. The total time will depend on the ambient humidity in your home, as well as the moisture levels in and on the flowers. (ie.
Why is linden tree called honey tree?
Linden is sometimes called the “Honey-Tree” because it’s great for pollinators. Over 60 species of insects are known to routinely visit its flowers. Though linden trees only bloom for about 2 weeks a year, they’re a major nectar source for bees.
How long do linden flowers last?
They’ll only last about 24-48 hours after harvest , so it’s best to begin drying them immediately for storage. Linden flowers past their prime. They’ve already started to disintegrate and form into linden seed pods. As with any flower, it’s best to dry them in a cool, dark well-ventilated space.
How often do Linden trees bloom?
Two times per year the Linden tree will bloom and it’s a great food source for bees and other insects.
How long do Linden trees live?
Linden trees are a large tree that has about 30 different species and types. While they also grow to be quite tall, they have a very long lifespan as well. Most have a lifespan of several hundred years but there are some Linden trees that have lived thousands of years as well.
How long does it take for a Linden tree to grow?
The cordata species of the Linden tree will grow up to 15 feet over the span of a 5-10 year period.
What tree looks like ash?
Pay close attention to the bark of a Linden Tree tree as it can look similar to an Ash tree bark.
How many species of Linden trees are there?
Linden trees are a large tree that has about 30 different species and types. While they also grow to be quite tall, they have a very long lifespan as well. Most have a lifespan of
What is the best tree to replace a Bradford pear tree?
If you’re looking to replace a Bradford Pear tree, the Tilia cardata is a great option because it can withstand the harsh soil and maintains a beautiful shape that requires minimal maintenance.
Why add linden trees to yard?
Adding Linden trees to your yard is a great choice because they are simple to maintain and keep their shape easily so they look really nice too!
What is a Linden tree?
Linden trees are medium to large shade trees; they tend to have thick, pillar-like trunks with dark bark that begins smooth but develops furrows as the tree matures. Strong horizontal branches jut out from the trunk, creating a dense pyramidal or rounded growth habit.
When do linden trees bloom?
The linden tree's flowers, a favorite of bees, make their showing from May to July. Some beekeepers cultivate lindens specifically to boost honey production. 1 . Here are 10 species of linden trees to consider for your landscape.
What is the color of the Florida basswood?
Another favorite of pollinators, the Carolina basswood (also known as the Florida basswood) grows in temperate climates and produces fragrant white flowers that hang in clusters. A gray-barked variety of this linden tree is native to Texas and has been grown and harvested for use in interior woodwork. The fruit is eaten by small mammals, and, as the wood decays, it produces cavities used by nesting birds like wood ducks and woodpeckers.
What is the name of the flower that hangs in clusters?
Carolina Basswood (Tilia caroliniana) Jean-Pol GRANDMOT /Wikimedia Commons/ CC BY-SA 3.0. Another favorite of pollinators, the Carolina basswood (also known as the Florida basswood) grows in temperate climates and produces fragrant white flowers that hang in clusters.
How fast does a basswood tree grow?
This fast grower can sometimes grow as much as 24 inches a year and needs plenty of space to flourish.
What is a little leaf Linden?
As you might guess, the little-leaf linden's common name directly correlates to its leaf size, which is much smaller than the leaves of other linden tree species. Its plethora of cultivars includes 'Baileyi,' 'Bicentennial,' 'Burnt Orange,' and 'Greenspire,' all of which are used in backyard landscaping to create large garden hedges. This tree is quite tolerant of heavy pruning and also does well in urban conditions.
How long does a Crimean Linden tree live?
The Crimean linden (or "Caucasian lime") has a short lifespan, of about 20 years, however, it's less susceptible to problems caused by aphids. 3 Because of its short lifespan, this is a great linden tree for use in planter boxes or pots, where it makes an impressive statement.
What is a Linden tree?
Linden trees are a statuesque, deciduous species renowned for their stunning foliage, heavy flowering, and handsome form. Throughout history, the linden tree has been prized for its wood (its fine grain makes for beautiful furniture) as well as the delicious honey its bountiful nectar produces. The species is most commonly found ...
Where can I find linden trees?
Some of the oldest examples of the species can be found in the Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucester, which plays home to a coppice of lindens estimated to be around 2000 years old. Throughout history, lindens have been used to grace the gardens of the rich and famous of the day; visitors to the Imperial Castle of Nuremburg should be sure to take in the 1000 year old linden planted by the Empress Cunigunde, wife of Henry II of Germany, while Swiss holidaymakers should plan a quick detour to Naters to take in the Alte Linde tree, which is believed to have been planted prior to 1155.
What is Linden wood used for?
Wood – Linden trees are characterized for their soft, easy- to- work wood. In the past, it was used extensively by Germanic tribes for making shields, while in the Middle ages, it was the material of choice for sculpting and puppet and marionette carving. Today, it’s widely used for model building, sculpting and carving. Its excellent acoustic properties make it a popular choice for instrument makers, with many manufactures of electric guitars, bass and wind instruments utilizing the material in their make. In addition to its ability to lend an enhanced acoustic to instruments, linden wood is the number one material of choice for window blinds and shutters.
How tall does a Carolina basswood tree grow?
The variety is native to North America and will grow from anything between 40-100 feet tall. Other common names for this variety include Florida basswood, Carolina linden, Florida linden and beetree.
How tall is a Linden?
Maximum height is typically 50 foot tall. Large- Leaved Linden (Tilia platyphyllos Scop). As its name suggest,s the large- leaved linden is characterized by large, broad leaves which can grow up to 5” in length. The species has a moderate growth rate, and will typically grow to around 60-80 feet tall.
What is the purpose of linden tree charcoal?
Aside from the flowers, herbalists have also found the linden tree useful for its wood: after burning, the resulting charcoal can either be consumed as a way of treating intestinal distress, or applied topically to treat ulcers and cellulitis.
How tall is Henry's lime?
The species, which tops out at around 4-60 feet tall, is also known by the names Caucasian linden and Caucasian lime. Henry’s Lime (Tilia henryana).Named for the botanist to discover the species, Augustine Henry, the Henry’s Lime is a slow growing variety native to China. Maximum height is typically 50 foot tall.
