How are basswood trees different from other linden trees?
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. Read on to discover all the differences between basswood and linden trees.
What are the different types of basswood trees?
Other tree species in the genus Tilia are known as linden trees. In Europe, linden trees are called lime trees. Popular linden varieties include the common linden ( Tilia x europaea ), silver linden ( Tilia tomentosa ), and the little-leaf linden ( Tilia cordata ). This article is a comprehensive guide to the native American basswood tree.
Are basswood trees good for bees?
Additionally, basswood trees are popular with beekeepers due to the excellent honey bees produce from the flowers’ nectar. The American basswood tree is the only native North American species in the genus Tilia. Other tree species in the genus Tilia are known as linden trees. In Europe, linden trees are called lime trees.
What is another name for a linden tree?
In continental Europe and on the East Coast of the United States, the tree is often referred to as a linden. In the United Kingdom, it is referred to as the lime tree, and in the Western United States, the tree itself and its wood are referred to as Basswood.
Why is linden called basswood?
The name basswood came from a use made by native Americans of using its fibrous, tough inner bark or "bast" for making cords, thongs and ropes. Pioneers dubbed it "bastwood" leading to its common name of today. Its other common name is American Linden. Habitat: Grows on moist upland woods and slopes.
What is another name for a basswood tree?
basswood, (Tilia americana), also called American linden, whitewood, or American basswood, species of linden tree of the hibiscus, or mallow, family (Malvaceae) common to North America. Basswood is found in a vast area of eastern and southeastern North America and centred in the Great Lakes region.
What is a linden tree also known as?
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 kind of wood is linden?
basswoodThe tree is known as linden for the European species, and basswood for North American species. In Britain and Ireland they are commonly called lime trees, although they are not related to the citrus lime....Tilia.Tilia Temporal range:Clade:EudicotsClade:RosidsOrder:MalvalesFamily:Malvaceae10 more rows
What are the different types of linden trees?
Tilia cordataTilia platyphyllosBasswoodSilver LindenTilia × europaeaTilia henryanaLindens/Lower classifications
What is known as basswood in America?
American linden, also known as basswood, is native to the Missouri River basin of eastern Nebraska and extends along the Niobrara River reaching as far west as the Black Hills of western South Dakota.
What is special about a linden tree?
The tree's flowers are attractive to bees and linden is an important source of excellent honey. Hollow linden trees found in the woods are often filled with honey. The attractive white wood of linden is often used for beehive honey frames. The fragrant flowers are also distilled for use in perfumes.
How do I identify a basswood tree?
Basswood Tree Identification A characteristic of basswoods is their large heart-shaped, asymmetrical leaves with coarsely serrated margins and pointed tips. Another identification feature of basswood trees identification is their silvery-gray bark on young trees that becomes furrowed, rough, and dark gray.
What is linden tree good for?
These flowers were steeped as a tea to relieve anxiety related to indigestion, irregular heartbeat, and vomiting. Today, linden is used in many cough and cold remedies. Active ingredients in linden help promote sweating, which may help treat people with fevers.
What kind of wood is basswood?
hardwood treeThe American Basswood is a hardwood tree that has soft wood that was commonly used by the Indians to make ropes, rugs, and bandages. This tree has very large leaves, and is commonly found in the New England area and around the continent of North America; its native habitat.
Is linden a hard wood?
The wood from the linden is of very fine, even grain, with a light color. What makes it so highly prized is that it is an extremely soft wood, with a janka rating of only 410 lbf, making it even softer than pine, although it is categorized as a hardwood.
What does linden wood 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.
What trees are in the basswood family?
The American basswood is a tree species in the linden tree genus Tilia and mallow (hibiscus) family Malvaceae. The American linden (basswood) is the most common of the Tilia species in the US. It's a large deciduous ornamental shade tree that boasts some of the largest leaves among native species.
How do I identify a basswood tree?
The leaves of the American Linden or Basswood have a distinctive cordate or heart shape, and notched, uneven bases. Furthermore, they have serrated edges and end in a pointed tip. In addition, they are alternately arranged.
What do linden trees 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.
Do linden trees have invasive roots?
Additional Concerns. 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.
Why is basswood hard?
Hardness can be a result of minerals in the soil, growing season factors like wet or dry, and length of growing season. The best carving basswood seems to be grown in a northern climate, with cold winters and a shorter growing season.
Is basswood found in Europe?
Given that basswood is nowhere to be found in Europe, I was advised to use lindenwood instead, telling me this wood would be almost similar. Well, when I watch videos of US woodcarvers cutting and slicing basswood, I have the feeling they do that like cutting butter comparing to the efforts I do in cutting and slicing lindenwood. I don't think it is only a matter of tools (I used Pfeil and Flexcut knives, and Flexcut gouges) or poor sharpening. Do you also notice such a difference between bass- and linden-wood? Dino
Is northern basswood hard to carve?
A lot of factors can influence the hardness of a tree (location, minerals in the soil, etc.) We're lucky in the states because northern basswood is nice to carve. It does slice nicely, but I've tried some linden and it's not too bad (usually). Sycamore is another good wood if that's available.
Is German Linden the same as Basswood?
The two tree species are from the same family of Tilia and would be cousins, the growing conditions for my local basswood and say German linden or limewood are nearly identical and if you took one of each basswood and lindenwood farm grown just for carving as close to as possible the same.
What is the difference between tilia and basswood?
Comments: Species in the Tilia genus are usually referred to as either Lime or Linden in Europe, while in North America it’s most commonly called Basswood. Basswood is an ideal wood for many woodcarvers.
What is the color of sapwood?
Color/Appearance: Pale white to light brown color, with sapwood and heartwood sections not clearly defined. Growth rings tend to be subtle, and color is mostly uniform throughout the face grain of the wood. Knots and other defects are uncommon.
Does basswood have a bad smell?
Basswood also glues and finishes well, but has poor steam bending and nail holding characteristics. Odor: No characteristic odor. Allergies/Toxicity: Besides the standard health risks associated with any type of wood dust, no further health reactions have been associated with Basswood.
Is basswood a good MOE?
And though the wood is both lightweight and soft, it has an outstanding MOE-to-weight ratio. However, its MOR is on par with its low weight; simply put, when put under stress, the wood will remain stiff, but will still break (rupture) at a relatively average weight.
Is basswood rot resistant?
Rot Resistance: Basswood is rated as being non-durable in regard to heartwood decay.
Where is the Linden native to?
Additional Considerations. Two other species of linden deserve mention here. Tilia cordata (Littleleaf Linden) is native to northern Europe and western Asia and is similar to American linden, but with smaller leaves and a more dense, conical growth habit.
What is Linden known for?
In fact, one of the best ways to use linden is as a border planting or as a backdrop where its low branches are left intact to reach the ground.
What is the color of the leaves on a silver linden?
Its name is derived from its very attractive two-toned leaves - the upper surface of which is a dark, glossy green, while the underside is a pubescent silvery-white.
How big is the tree of the American Linden in Nebraska?
Nebraska’s champion American linden growing in Albion has a trunk circumference of almost 21' and a canopy spread of over 70’.
How cold can Linden grow?
Linden is very adaptable! It can grow on almost any kind of soil, is drought tolerant, and can survive temperatures to 35 below zero.
Where is the American Linden native to?
American linden, also known as basswood, is native to the Missouri River basin of eastern Nebraska and extends along the Niobrara River reaching as far west as the Black Hills of western South Dakota.
Is basswood good for birds?
Basswood is good browse and buds are important for birds and deer in winter. Fruits are eaten by birds and small mammals. The wood decays easily and produces many cavities (especially in trees past 120 years of age), which are used by cavity-nesting animals (wood ducks, pileated woodpeckers, other birds, and small mammals).
What are linden trees?
Trees in the genus are often used as specimen trees or shade trees that line urban streets. The linden's canopies create deep shade with branches covered in densely bright green leaves with an asymmetrical heart shape. The real aesthetic draw of these lovely trees is their sweet-smelling white flowers that bloom every spring. The flowers are a matter of controversy, though, as research shows some Tilia spp. are toxic to bumblebees while others are not. It is worth noting that this only affects bumblebees; linden has been used for millennia to create honey, but bumblebees are prime pollinators and not profuse honey makers.
How big does a little leaf linden get?
It grows 60 to 70 feet tall, and 40 to 50 feet wide.
Is basswood a drought tolerant tree?
Basswoods are not drought tolerant, so if you live in an area prone to drought, you may need to do some supplemental watering or consider water-wise gardening or xeriscaping .
Can basswood be planted without fertilizer?
Most trees not bred in cultivation will do just fine without supplemental fertilization. But, if you apply a slow-release granular fertilizer in the fall, basswood is a genus that you will notice a difference in. A general-purpose tree or flowering tree fertilizer should do the trick. You are looking for healthy foliage and bloom production, so a higher N and P number is best in the NPK formulation.
Do basswoods like sun?
You will find that most basswoods prefer full sun and will produce the most amount of blossoms under this condition. Some species have a slight tolerance for partial shade, but you will notice a distinct reduction in flowers when enough light is not present.
Who is Les from the Arboretum?
Les is a Master Gardener and arboretum curator with 30 years of experience and is self-described as "tree-hugging dirt worshipper." He currently serves as an Arboretum Curator and is a member of multiple gardening societies and foundations.
Does Tilia cordata tolerate alkalinity?
The soil conditions for various Tilia species will mostly hover around the average to the moist range, ensuring that the soil is well-drained. Throughout the genus, the pH scale will vary from species to species, with some being more inclined to tolerate higher alkalinity, like the Tilia cordata, the small-leaved linden. By contrast, American basswood ( Tilia americana) will not tolerate alkaline soils.
What is American Basswood (American Linden) Tree?
The American basswood is the only North American native species in the Tilia genus of flowering trees. The American linden is one of the fastest-growing hardwood trees in the US. American basswood grows for around 200 years and is often found growing in eastern and central North America.
What is the primary species of basswood?
Types of Basswood Trees (Tilia americana) The primary species of basswood is the American basswood ( Tilia americana ). There are also several cultivars in the species, each with its own unique growing characteristics.
How tall is Boulevard American Basswood?
Boulevard American Basswood (Tilia americana ‘Boulevard’): This is a tall, narrow linden tree that grows up to 50 ft. (15 m). You can spot this tree due to its narrowly pyramidal growth.
What is the name of the tree with yellow flowers?
The American basswood tree ( Tilia americana) is a large, fast-growing deciduous flowering tree with fragrant yellowish-white flowers, large ovate leaves, and a domed crown. Also named American linden, the American basswood tree is a popular ornamental shade tree due to its dense foliage and spreading canopy. Additionally, basswood trees are popular with beekeepers due to the excellent honey bees produce from the flowers’ nectar.
How tall does a redmond basswood tree get?
This basswood grows up to 35 ft. (10 m) tall.
What color are basswood leaves?
The ovate, coarsely toothed basswood leaves are arranged alternately on branches. During the growing season, the leaves have a dark green upper side and light pale-green underside. In fall, the leaves of deciduous basswood trees turn pale yellow to yellowish-green.
How many flowers does a basswood tree have?
Each bunch of basswood tree flowers has 6 to 20 flowers, each measuring about 0.4” (1 cm).
