Scientific Name: Tilia americana
Common Name: American linden
Native Range: Central and Eastern North America
Zone: 2 to 8
Plant type & Form: Deciduous tree with an ovate-rounded crown
Height: 50.00 to 80.00 feet
Spread: 30.00 to 50.00 feet
Bloom Time: June
Bloom Description: Pale yellow
Flower: Cymes (clusters) of fragrant, pale yellow, late spring flowers with leaf-like bract
Fruit: Small, round nutlets that ripen in late summer
Leaf: Large, ovate dark green leaves that taper to a point and have serrated margins, they have uneven cordate (heart shaped) bases and silvery undersides
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Soil type & pH: Prefers moist, fertile, well-drained loams
Maintenance: Low
Suggested Use: Shade tree, flowering tree
Tolerates: Drought, clay soil
Notes: The tree has sweet sap that can be used to make syrup and the flower nectar can be used to make a gourmet honey. The flowers can also be used to make tea.
Identification notes: Look for large, asymmetrical heart shaped leaves. The bark is a gray color with cracking/splitting ridges. When blooming, the tree has distinctive yellow, fragrant flower clusters. Winter buds are noticeable.
Information gathered from Missouri Botanical Garden
