American Linden
ExploreTrees
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
Category
TreesRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
1
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
Ability
Pollinator Paradise
American Linden has highly fragrant, nectar-rich flowers that attract many bees, helping it reproduce successfully.
Ability
Urban Resilience
American Linden can tolerate pollution and various soils, helping it survive in city environments.
Ability
Woodworker's Delight
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
- 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
Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
Shade Tolerant
Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.
Spring Blooming
Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth.
Broadleaf Tree
Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.
Fragrant Flower
Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Also known as
BasswoodLinden Treelindens, basswoods, and lime trees
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Do not pick or eat anything you find. Some plants and mushrooms can be harmful.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is American Linden?
20-40 m
How wide does American Linden spread?
10-20 m
Is American Linden edible?
Yes
How big is American Linden?
50-150 cm
How long does American Linden live?
100-200 years
Where is American Linden usually found?
Forests and parks
What kind of fruit does American Linden produce?
Small nutlet
How fast does American Linden grow?
Medium
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
Where to spot
Zoo23 sightings16 species
Ohio, US
Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
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Park23 sightings13 species
Illinois, US
Palmer Square Park
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Park0 sightings0 species
South Dakota, US
Palisades State Park
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