Mongolian Lime
tilia mongolica
Also known as: ["Mongolian Linden","Yellow Lime"]
Overview
A deciduous tree native to Mongolia and northern China, valued for its ornamental foliage 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 mongolica |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden, prefers space to grow
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–30–40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–7"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if indoor air is very dry
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter like compost.
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 to rejuvenate the tree.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, with some protection from intense midday sun in summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from shade to sun, protect from harsh afternoon sun to prevent scorching, and adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; monitor for signs of sunburn.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, less in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, avoid letting the plant sit in water, and adjust frequency based on season and weather.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Test soil pH annually; amend with compost in spring; ensure good aeration to prevent root rot.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–7; tolerates cold winters but prefers moderate temperatures between 60–75°F (15–24°C) during active growth.
Protect from frost in early spring; ensure good air circulation in heat; avoid sudden temperature swings.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize only during active growth; dilute liquid fertilizer to half strength; stop fertilizing in winter.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in summer or layering in spring.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings, remove lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone, plant in medium, keep moist and humid.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer for cuttings; early spring for layering.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), indirect light, and consistent warmth around 70°F (21°C).
Medium
Peat and perlite mix or sandy loam with good drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended for faster and more reliable rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot or ground within 1–2 growing seasons.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, plastic wrap or dome, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; maintain humidity with a dome; avoid direct sun during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the canopy, heading cuts to control size, and selective branch removal for shape.
Pruning Plan
Shape the tree, remove dead or crossing branches, and encourage airflow to reduce disease risk.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw for larger branches, sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune during dormancy, remove dead/diseased wood, make clean cuts just above buds.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure the new pot has drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if crowded, refresh soil mix, ensure good drainage, water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown specimens.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot, prepare new soil mix, trim roots if necessary, water after repotting, place in shade for a few days.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water thoroughly, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water the root zone directly, ensure water penetrates deeply to reach the roots, allow excess water to drain away, and water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
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; ensure organic matter is well-decomposed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, yellowing, or wilting in extreme heat; browning or dieback in prolonged cold.
Cold Stress
Leaves may curl or drop, growth slows, and branches can become brittle in temperatures below -30°F (-34°C) without protection.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base, wrap trunks with burlap in severe winters, and avoid planting in exposed, windy sites.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop, and growth may stagnate in prolonged heat above 90°F (32°C) without adequate water.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade, increase watering frequency, and use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer, apply in spring, avoid late-season feeding, water before and after application.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing, especially in late summer or fall.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicTilia mongolica is not considered toxic to cats. The plant does not contain any known compounds that are harmful to felines. However, ingestion of large quantities of any plant material can cause gastrointestinal upset.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicTilia mongolica is not considered toxic to dogs. The plant does not contain any known compounds that are harmful to canines. However, ingestion of large quantities of any plant material can cause gastrointestinal upset.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicTilia mongolica, commonly known as Mongolian Lime or Mongolian Linden, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. The plant has been used traditionally for its medicinal properties, particularly for its calming and sedative effects. There are no significant toxic effects reported from ingestion of any parts of the plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Tilia mongolica suitable for urban planting?
A: Yes, it is tolerant of urban conditions and can thrive in parks and streetscapes.
Q: Does this tree attract wildlife?
A: Yes, its flowers are highly attractive to bees and butterflies.
Q: How fast does Tilia mongolica grow?
A: It has a moderate growth rate, typically gaining about 30-60 cm per year.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Malvaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
