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American Linden

Tilia americana

The American Linden tree has heart-shaped leaves and is known for its sweet-smelling flowers. It’s a lovely tree to sit under!

Habitat: Forests and parks

Appearance

The American Linden has large, heart-shaped, finely toothed leaves that are dark green above and paler below. Its bark is smooth and gray when young, developing deep furrows with age. Clusters of fragrant, pale yellow flowers hang below a leafy bract.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderMalvalesFamilyMalvaceaeGenusTilia

American Linden

Interesting facts

Honey made from Linden flowers is famously light, delicious, and highly prized by beekeepers.

Its extremely soft wood is a favorite for carving, making toys, and even musical instruments!

Native Americans once stripped its inner bark to weave into strong ropes and mats.

You can tap its sap in spring, just like maple trees, to make a sweet, refreshing drink!

Special abilities

American Linden has highly fragrant, nectar-rich flowers that attract many bees, helping it reproduce successfully.

American Linden can tolerate pollution and various soils, helping it survive in city environments.

American Linden has soft, fine-grained wood that helps humans craft furniture and carvings easily.

Measurements & details

Height: 20-40 m
Canopy Spread: 10-20 m
Is Edible: Yes
Trunk Diameter: 50-150 cm
Lifespan: 100-200 years
Fruit Type: Small nutlet
Growth Rate: Medium
Leaf Type: Deciduous

Ecological connections

pollinates

Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Collects nectar for honey.

eats

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

Papilio glaucus

Its caterpillars feed on leaves.

eats

White-tailed Deer

Odocoileus virginianus

Browses on young twigs.

eats

Eastern Gray Squirrel

Sciurus carolinensis

Feeds on its small seeds.

Traits

Deciduous

Discover the magic of plants that shed all their leaves during a particular season, often putting on a spectacular show of fall colors first. They get ready for a fresh start!

Shade Tolerant

Discover plants that love to live in the shadows, growing beautifully and happily even in spots where the sun doesn't shine all day long.

Spring Blooming

Celebrate the arrival of warmer weather with these cheerful plants that burst into beautiful flowers as spring awakens the world.

Broadleaf Tree

Discover magnificent trees that have wide, flat leaves, unlike the needles of pine trees! These are often the trees that change colors beautifully in autumn.

Fragrant Flower

Discover flowers that release delightful scents into the air, enchanting our senses and attracting helpful insects. Take a moment to enjoy their sweet perfume!