American Linden
Tilia americana
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Description
American Linden, or Basswood, is a significant deciduous tree native to eastern North America, reaching heights of up to 30 meters. It plays a crucial role in agroecology and regenerative agriculture as a mid to upper canopy layer in food forests. Its broad, heart-shaped leaves and fragrant, nectar-rich flowers attract a variety of pollinators, especially bees, enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem health. Historically, its fibrous inner bark was used by Indigenous peoples for making ropes and mats. The tree provides excellent shade and wind protection, making it ideal for windbreaks and shelterbelts. Its leaves and flowers are used to make a soothing tea, and the wood is valued for carving and furniture making.
Growing Details
American Linden thrives in well-drained, fertile soils with a preference for loamy textures. It tolerates a range of pH levels from slightly acidic to neutral. For optimal growth, prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter such as compost. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants like comfrey and clover can enhance soil fertility and attract beneficial insects. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Harvest flowers in early summer when th
Edible Parts
Leaves
Sap
Inner Bark
Flowers
Nectar
Tags
Carbon Farming
Attracts Wildlife
Fire Wood
Building Wood
Scented Plant
Windbreak
Erosion Preventing
Bee Friendly
Visual Appeal
Sweetener
Tea
Range (Based on GBIF Data)
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Tilia americana</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Eastern North America
applicable geo region: Temperate regions
language used: en
Flowering:
middle
of Jun for 30 days
Harvest:
beginning
of September for 60 days
Seed Start:
?
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(4/5)
edible uses: The young leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, providing a mild flavor and tender texture. The flowers are often used to make a calming tea, rich in antioxidants. The sap, which can be tapped in early spring, offers a sweet drink similar to maple syrup. The inner bark, although not commonly consumed, can be dried and ground into a flour substitute in survival situations.
Medicinal Rating:
(4/5)
medicinal uses: The flowers are traditionally used in herbal medicine for their calming and anti-inflammatory properties. They are often brewed into teas to alleviate colds, coughs, and anxiety. The tea is also known to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. Caution is advised for individuals with pollen allergies.
health concerns: Individuals with pollen allergies should exercise caution when using the flowers.
other uses: The wood is light and easily worked, making it useful for carving, musical instruments, and furniture. The fibrous inner bark is traditionally used for making ropes and mats.
Scientific Literature
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Botanical data
specie: Tilia americana
common names: American Basswood; Basswood; Lime Tree
family: Malvaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Tilia
Growing Conditions
area needed: 10.0 m
spacing: 8.0 m
growing difficulty: Medium
Deciduous / Evergreen: Evergreen
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 20ยฐC / 15ยฐC / 25ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 20ยฐC / -30ยฐC / 35ยฐC
water demands: Medium
humidity:
light demands: High
root type: Deep
frost tender: Low
hardness:
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(4/10)
first harvest: 10 years
life span: 200 years
succession: Late
growth rate: Medium
max height: 30.0 m
max width: 15.0 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: American Linden thrives in well-drained, fertile soils with a preference for loamy textures. It tolerates a range of pH levels from slightly acidic to neutral. For optimal growth, prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter such as compost. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants like comfrey and clover can enhance soil fertility and attract beneficial insects. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Harvest flowers in early summer when th
Potential Disturbances: To manage aphids, introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings. Japanese beetles can be controlled using neem oil or by planting garlic and chives nearby, which act as natural repellents. Leaf miners can be deterred with parasitic wasps. Regularly inspect for powdery mildew and apply a homemade spray of baking soda and water as a preventative measure.
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