American basswood
Tilia americana 路 Malvaceae 路 also American linden, Basswood
A large, dense, pyramidal to oval shade tree with big heart-shaped leaves that turn pale yellow in fall and extremely fragrant creamy flowers in early summer that hum with honeybees. Small nutlets spin away on a strap-like bract. It casts deep shade, can sucker from the base, and Japanese beetles and aphid honeydew can be a nuisance under it. Cultivars such as 'Redmond' and 'American Sentry' are common city trees.
Where it stands
Native
This tree evolved here, and local wildlife depends on it.
Recommended
A city, utility or extension service lists it among the trees it approves for planting here.
- 馃嚚馃嚘 Toronto, ON, Canada 路 Basswood and the cultivar 'Redmond' are on Toronto's list of species planted on streets.source
- 馃嚭馃嚫 Denver, CO, United States 路 On the Denver Office of the City Forester Approved Street Tree Listsource
- 馃嚭馃嚫 Washington, DC, United States 路 On the Casey Trees Tree Rebate eligible species listsource
- 馃嚭馃嚫 New York, NY, United States 路 On the NYC Parks Street Tree Planting Approved Species Listsource
- 馃嚭馃嚫 Portland, OR, United States 路 'Redmond' American linden is on Portland's list for 6.0 to 8.4 ft planting strips.source
- 馃嚭馃嚫 Dallas, TX, United States 路 On the City of Dallas Article X Approved Tree Listsource
Care
Easy to transplant and low maintenance; plant in moist, well-drained soil and water in drought, avoiding hot, compacted sites. Prune in the dormant season and remove basal suckers. Japanese beetles, linden aphids, linden borer and occasionally verticillium wilt are the main problems; protect young bark from rabbits and voles.
Benefits
Good for