Caucasian Lime, Caucasian Linden
tilia dasystyla
Also known as: ["Caucasian Lime","Caucasian Linden"]
Overview
A deciduous tree native to the Caucasus region, valued for its fragrant flowers and shade-providing canopy.
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 dasystyla |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden, prefers sheltered spots from strong winds
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining to well-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining loamy soil with added 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 for rejuvenation.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct or filtered sunlight daily, with protection from harsh afternoon sun in summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from indoors to outdoors; protect from intense midday sun to prevent leaf scorch; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Monitor leaf color for signs of sun stress; use shade cloth if needed; rotate plant for even light exposure.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid overwatering.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot; amend with organic matter for fertility; check pH periodically.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 5–7; tolerates cold winters but prefers moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C) during active growth.
Protect from frost in early spring; avoid placing near heat sources indoors; adjust watering in extreme temperatures.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer, none in fall and winter
Fertilize only when actively growing; avoid over-fertilizing, which can burn roots; water before and after applying fertilizer.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in summer or layering in spring.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select healthy stem, apply rooting hormone, insert into medium, maintain humidity, wait for roots to develop.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer for cuttings; early spring for layering.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (70–75°F or 21–24°C), and indirect light.
Medium
Peat and perlite mix or coarse sand for cuttings; well-draining soil for layering.
Hormone
Rooting hormone recommended for cuttings to improve success rate.
Timeline
Cuttings may root in 4–8 weeks; layering can take 6–12 months to establish roots.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, plastic wrap or dome, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the canopy, heading cuts to reduce height, and selective branch removal.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, 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, make clean cuts, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure container has drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, use fresh well-draining soil, ensure proper drainage, water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for young trees to encourage growth.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot, trim roots if needed, use fresh soil, water lightly, place in appropriate light.
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; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage; avoid compacting soil.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, wilting, yellowing, or browning of leaves; stunted growth in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Leaves may curl or drop; growth slows or halts; young or newly planted trees are more susceptible to frost damage.
Solution: Mulch around the base to insulate roots; protect young trees with burlap screens in winter; avoid planting in exposed, windy sites.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or premature leaf drop; reduced flowering or fruiting in extreme heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth stage, use appropriate fertilizer, follow dilution instructions, avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; reduce or stop fertilizing in late summer/autumn.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicTilia dasystyla is not considered toxic to cats. The plant is generally safe for feline consumption, though large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Dogs
Non-toxicTilia dasystyla is not considered toxic to dogs. The plant is generally safe for canine consumption, though excessive ingestion may lead to mild digestive upset due to its fibrous nature.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Humans
Non-toxicTilia dasystyla, commonly known as Caucasian Lime or Silver Lime, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion of large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to its natural compounds. The plant has been traditionally used in herbal teas for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Tilia dasystyla suitable for urban environments?
A: Yes, it is tolerant of urban conditions and can thrive in parks and streetscapes.
Q: Does this tree attract pollinators?
A: Yes, its fragrant flowers are highly attractive to bees and butterflies.
Q: How fast does Tilia dasystyla grow?
A: It has a moderate growth rate, typically gaining about 1–2 feet per year under optimal conditions.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Malvaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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