Small-leaved Lime
tilia cordata
Also known as: ["Littleleaf Linden","Small-leaved Linden"]
Overview
A deciduous tree native to Europe, valued for its heart-shaped leaves and fragrant flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Malvales |
| Family: | Malvaceae |
| Genus: | Tilia |
| Botanical Name: | Tilia cordata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: urban parks, streets, or large gardens
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–30 to 40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if indoor and dry
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining to well-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining loamy soil with organic matter; avoid heavy clay.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct or filtered sunlight daily, with protection from intense afternoon sun in summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sunlight; provide shade during peak heat; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid direct sun on leaves.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, less in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
deep, fertile, well-drained loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good aeration; avoid waterlogging; enrich with organic matter annually.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates cooler temperatures but avoid prolonged frost.
Monitor temperature changes; adjust watering; protect from drafts or heat sources.
Fertilizing
annually in early spring with balanced slow-release fertilizer
Fertilize in spring before new growth; water before applying fertilizer; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in summer; layering can also be effective.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings, remove lower leaves, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, and wait for roots.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is firm but not woody.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), indirect light, and consistent warmth (65–75°F).
Medium
Peat and perlite mix or sterile potting soil with good drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rate.
Timeline
Roots develop in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot after 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, pots, plastic bags or propagator, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy parent plant material; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the canopy; heading cuts to encourage bushiness.
Pruning Plan
Shape the plant, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage airflow and light penetration.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune during dormancy, remove dead/diseased wood, shape evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure drainage holes are present.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, use fresh soil mix, ensure good drainage, water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for root health and growth.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot, trim roots, use fresh soil, water lightly, place in shade temporarily.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth; ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or peat moss for fertility and structure; mix perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat, leaf drop or browning in cold stress, stunted growth in temperature extremes.
Cold Stress
Leaves may curl, turn brown, or drop; growth slows or halts; risk of frost damage in freezing temperatures.
Solution: Protect from frost with burlap or frost cloth; move indoors in freezing conditions; ensure adequate winter hydration.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or yellowing; reduced flowering; increased water demand.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season, use correct dilution, water before/after, avoid contact with roots.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring; dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength monthly during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicTilia cordata is not considered toxic to cats. The plant does not pose a significant risk of poisoning when ingested by felines in normal quantities.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicTilia cordata is not considered toxic to dogs. The plant is not known to cause adverse effects when ingested by canines in typical amounts.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicTilia cordata, commonly known as small-leaved lime, is not considered toxic to humans. It has been used traditionally in herbal medicine for its calming properties, particularly in the form of tea made from its flowers.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Tilia cordata suitable for urban environments?
A: Yes, it is tolerant of urban pollution and compacted soils, making it a good choice for city landscapes.
Q: Does Tilia cordata attract wildlife?
A: Yes, its flowers are highly attractive to bees and butterflies, and its seeds provide food for birds.
Q: How tall does Tilia cordata grow?
A: It typically reaches 20–40 meters in height, with a broad, rounded crown.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Malvaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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