The Small Leaved Linden (Tilia cordata) is a deciduous tree that is native to Europe and is widely cultivated in North America. It is a low-maintenance tree that attracts bees and produces lasting golden foliage.

Growing Conditions

The Small Leaved Linden prefers full sun to partial shade and loamy, moist, and well-drained soils. It can grow up to 50-60 feet tall and 50 feet wide, making it a great shade tree for lawns or parkway plantings in urban settings. It is also tolerant of polluted environments, making it a great choice for urban areas.

Care and Maintenance

The Small Leaved Linden requires little to no pruning throughout the seasons. It can be fertilized in the spring with a balanced fertilizer, but avoid using weed and feed products designed for lawns over the root zone of the tree. Established trees dont need annual fertilization.

Propagation

The Small Leaved Linden can be propagated through cuttings taken from younger trees. Cuttings should be taken in the summer and planted in sandy beds outdoors or in gallon pots with drainage holes. Keep the medium moist and roots should form within six weeks.

Use

The Small Leaved Linden has a variety of uses. Its wood is soft and can be used for refined woodcarvings. The young leaves can be eaten as a salad vegetable and the flowers are fragrant and attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. The trees softwood creates nesting sites for cavity-dwelling birds.

Varieties

There are several varieties of the Small Leaved Linden, including Greenspire which is more urban tolerant than other cultivars. June Bride is a pyramidal habit with evenly spaced branches and Winter Orange has reddish buds and can be cut back to grow long shoot extensions.

Medicinal and Culinary Uses

The flowers of the Small Leaved Linden are used to make a traditional herbal remedy called lime tea or linden tea. The tea is said to be nutritious and to have medicinal qualities. The young leaves can be eaten as a salad vegetable and the wood is used to make refined woodcarvings.