# Littleleaf Linden (*Tilia cordata*)

The Littleleaf Linden is a smaller tree with tiny leaves. It’s perfect for small gardens and parks!

- **Category:** [Trees](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/tree)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Snaps:** 1
- **Habitat:** Urban areas and gardens
- **Also known as:** Small-leaved Lime

![Littleleaf Linden](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771424822/objects/4801.jpg)

## Appearance

The Littleleaf Linden has distinct small, heart-shaped, dark green leaves with finely toothed edges. Its bark is smooth and grey when young, becoming furrowed with age. In early summer, it displays fragrant, pale yellow flowers attached to a unique, prominent leafy bract.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Plantae
- **Phylum:** Tracheophyta
- **Class:** Magnoliopsida
- **Order:** Malvales
- **Family:** Malvaceae
- **Genus:** Tilia

## Interesting facts

- Ancient Romans thought Littleleaf Lindens represented loyalty and truth.
- Its young leaves are edible and taste a bit like mild lettuce in salads.
- People once used its inner bark to weave strong ropes and intricate mats!
- The tree's sap can be tapped to make a sweet syrup, similar to maple syrup!

## Special abilities

- **Seed Glider:** Littleleaf Linden has a special leaf-like wing (bract) attached to its seeds that helps them glide away on the wind.
- **Bee Whisperer:** Its incredibly fragrant flowers produce abundant nectar, making it a favorite for bees to create delicious honey.
- **Calming Infusion:** Littleleaf Linden's dried flowers and bracts can be brewed into a relaxing tea, used for centuries to soothe and calm.
- **Carver's Canvas:** This tree has light, fine-grained wood that's perfect for carving delicate sculptures and musical instruments without splitting.

## Measurements & details

- **Height:** 20-40 m
- **Spread:** 10-20 m
- **Edible:** Yes
- **Size:** 100-200 cm
- **Lifespan:** 200-500 years
- **Fruit Type:** Nutlet
- **Growth Rate:** Medium
- **Leaf Type:** Deciduous

## Ecological connections

- **Pollinates:** European honey bee (*Apis mellifera*) — collects nectar and pollen
- **Eats:** Linden leafminer (*Phyllonorycter tiliae*) — larvae feed inside leaves
- **Eats:** Linden leafhopper (*Eupteryx decemnotata*) — sucks sap from leaves
- **Shelter:** [Great Tit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-tit) (*Parus major*) — nests in tree cavities
- **Depends on:** Artist's Conk (*Ganoderma applanatum*) — decomposes dead wood

## Traits

- [Deciduous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/deciduous): Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
- [Broadleaf Tree](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/broadleaf-tree): Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.
- [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.

## Collections

- [Trees](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/trees)

## 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 to identify Littleleaf Linden?

Compare leaves or needles, how they attach to the twig, buds, bark and the shape of the crown. Lobed leaves are useful clues, but several unrelated trees share a similar outline. Tree Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How tall is Littleleaf Linden?

20-40 m

### How wide does Littleleaf Linden spread?

10-20 m

### Is Littleleaf Linden edible?

Yes

### How big is Littleleaf Linden?

100-200 cm

### How long does Littleleaf Linden live?

200-500 years

### Where is Littleleaf Linden usually found?

Urban areas and gardens

### What kind of fruit does Littleleaf Linden produce?

Nutlet

## Where to spot

- [Georgia Institute of Technology Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/georgia-institute-of-technology-historic-district) — Georgia, US · Historic District
- [Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/martin-luther-king-jr-national-historical-park) — Georgia, US · National Park
- [Naturpark Fläming/Sachsen-Anhalt](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/naturpark-flaming-sachsen-anhalt) — Sachsen-Anhalt, DE · Park
- [Arboretum Serach (Esslingen)](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/arboretum-serach-esslingen) — Baden-Württemberg, DE · Park
- [Fürstlich Greizer Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/furstlich-greizer-park) — Thüringen, DE · Park
- [Gartenschaupark Hockenheim](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/gartenschaupark-hockenheim) — Baden-Württemberg, DE · Park

[View all places to see Littleleaf Linden](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/littleleaf-linden)

## More Trees

- [English Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/english-oak) (*Quercus robur*)
- [Sessile Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/sessile-oak) (*Quercus petraea*)
- [Northern Red Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/northern-red-oak) (*Quercus rubra*)
- [White Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-oak) (*Quercus alba*)

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Source: [Littleleaf Linden: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/littleleaf-linden)