American Linden
tilia americana
Also known as: ["Basswood","American Basswood","American Lime"]
Overview
A large deciduous tree native to eastern North America, valued for its fragrant flowers and soft, lightweight wood.
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 americana |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor landscape, park, or large garden
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–40–40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if indoor in dry conditions
- Drainage: Well-draining but moisture-retentive.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter content.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- 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 (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily). Adjust for younger trees to prevent leaf scorch.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate young trees gradually to direct sun. Protect from intense midday sun in hot climates. Outdoor placement is ideal; ensure dappled shade during peak summer.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Monitor leaf color for sun stress; provide shade if leaves yellow or brown; rotate tree for even light exposure.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry partially between waterings, and avoid frequent shallow watering.
Soil
deep, fertile, well-drained loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Mulch to retain moisture; avoid compacted soil; test pH every 2–3 years.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 3–8. Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–75°F). Tolerates cold but may struggle in extreme heat.
Protect from late spring frosts; water deeply before cold snaps; avoid placing near heat sources in winter.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Test soil before fertilizing; avoid over-fertilization, which can harm roots; water after application to activate nutrients.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in summer or seed propagation in fall.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select healthy cuttings.
- Apply rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Transplant once rooted. For seeds: stratify.
- Sow.
- Keep moist.
- Thin seedlings.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer for cuttings; fall for seeds after collection.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (70–75°F), and indirect light for cuttings; cold stratification for seeds.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for cuttings; well-drained seed starting mix for seeds.
Hormone
Rooting hormone recommended for cuttings to improve success rate.
Timeline
Cuttings root in 4–8 weeks; seeds may take 1–3 months to germinate and several years to mature.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, heat mat.
Quick Tips
Use sterile tools to prevent disease; maintain consistent moisture; avoid direct sun during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the canopy; heading cuts to encourage branching; remove crossing or weak branches.
Pruning Plan
Shape the tree, remove dead/diseased branches, and improve air circulation to reduce disease risk.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw, disinfectant (bleach solution).
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune during dormancy; make clean cuts; remove suckers and water sprouts.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter or choose a planting hole twice the root ball size.
Method
Gently lift the root ball; trim circling roots; place in a larger container or hole with amended soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Not typically repotted; transplant in the ground or a larger container if root-bound in a pot.
Checklist
Prepare new site/pot; prune roots if compacted; use well-draining soil; water after transplanting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the trunk, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry. Ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once per week during spring and summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch (brown edges) in heat; leaf drop or dieback in prolonged cold; stunted growth in temperature extremes.
Cold Stress
Leaves may curl or drop; branches can become brittle; growth slows or halts in freezing temperatures.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; wrap trunks with burlap in severe cold; avoid planting in exposed, windy sites.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, and premature leaf drop; reduced flowering and vigor in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use reflective mulch to reduce soil temperature.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check soil pH; apply fertilizer in spring; water thoroughly after application; monitor for signs of burn.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Apply around the drip line, avoiding direct contact with the trunk. Reduce or skip fertilization in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicTilia americana is not considered toxic to cats. The plant does not contain any known substances that are harmful to felines. As with any plant, ingestion in large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicTilia americana is not considered toxic to dogs. The plant does not produce any known compounds that are harmful to canines. However, ingestion of large quantities of any plant material can cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Humans
Non-toxicTilia americana, commonly known as American linden or basswood, is not considered toxic to humans. The plant has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties, particularly for its calming effects and as a remedy for colds and respiratory issues. No significant toxic effects have been reported from the consumption or handling of this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the American Linden suitable for urban planting?
A: Yes, it is adaptable to urban conditions but requires sufficient space due to its large size.
Q: Does the American Linden produce edible parts?
A: The flowers are edible and can be used to make tea, while the wood is used for carving.
Q: How fast does the American Linden grow?
A: It is a moderately fast-growing tree, typically gaining about 1–2 feet per year in ideal conditions.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Malvaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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