American Linden Tree (Basswood)
 (Read 500+ times)
By Glory Lennon
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Tilia Americana is the botanical name of a particularly attractive deciduous landscape tree known by the common names American Basswood and American Linden. What makes this tree a welcome plant specimen equally good for the home garden and as a park or street tree is its lovely shape, the ample shade it provides, lovely two-tone foliage which turns a brilliant yellow in autumn, the sweetly scented flowers it produces in late spring or early summer and the tiny pea-sized nuts it grows for scavenging squirrels and other small creatures.
The American Linden grows normally very quickly 60-80 feet tall, although there have been specimens growing in North American hardwood forests where moisture is ample reaching 130 feet high. The canopy is approximately 30-50 wide, somewhat narrow for such a tall reaching tree. When young it has more of a pyramidal form and usually requires staking and pruning for shape. Once established pruning is only needed for broken branches. The American Linden provides lovely shade making it quite welcome growing along city streets on hot summer days. It is also tolerant of city pollution.
The American Linden is hardy in USDA zones 3-8 and is native to central and eastern North America. It prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. It will grow in most types of soil but does best in a well drained, moist, rich soil. Knowing this a thick organic mulch placed at the base of the tree would help retain moisture where it needs it most, at the drip line and provide it with much desired nutrients as the mulch breaks down. A mulch such as shredded bark or leaf mold would mimic its usual territory in hardwood forests improving the soil and greatly increasing the tree’s productivity and health.
The American Linden is considered of great value in Europe as a street and park tree and has gained some popularity in the states in cities hoping to “green” things up a bit. The American Linden tree is, however, even more valued by perfume and honey producers. It seems the flowers often attract tons of bees when they are in bloom in the latter part of spring or early summer. The pale yellow or creamy white flowers are very small, five pedaled and extremely fragrant growing in tiny sprays with pale green bracts attached making it almost appear as if there are two different leaf designs on one tree.
For about two weeks when in bloom the tree can actually be heard buzzing from quite a distance. This is why the American Linden is also called the Honey tree and the Bee tree. The honey produced from these lovely trees is considered of very high quality and the finest around. The flowers are also collected for making a delicious tea and even perfumes.
The foliage of the American Linden is somewhat heart shaped and are a dull, dark green with a lighter, sometimes silvery, underside which make it sort of shimmer as the breeze ruffles the foliage. Some cultivars, however, “Redmond” for instance, have glossy foliage. The leaves are 4-6 inches long and 3-5 inches wide. Perhaps it is this heart shape that made it known as a symbol of marital love and fidelity in Roman mythology and the tree to whom “tree spirits” or “Green Dryads” were wedded.
The wood of the American Linden is highly prized for woodworking as it is soft and very pliable. Although hardy in every way aphids do tend to bother this tree. The annoying insects make an unsightly honeydew drip and sooty mold on the leaves. An application of horticultural soap, however, should clear that up nicely. In all other respects this tree is fuss free.
Whatever you may want to call it, the American Linden, the American Basswood, the Honey tree or Bee Tree this wonderful tree will give endless pleasure with little bother. When looking for a relatively fast growing shade tree which doubles as an ornamental and also provides food and shelter for wildlife plus enjoyment for all those who love the view of green from their living room window, you simply can’t miss with the American Linden.
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Author Bio Box: Glory Lennon
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Glory’s Garden blog @ : http://glory-garden.blogspot.com/
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