American Linden
Tilia americana
Deciduous TreeAbout American Linden
American Linden, also known as Basswood, is a large deciduous tree with heart-shaped leaves and fragrant yellow flowers. The flowers are highly attractive to bees and are traditionally used for linden tea. It provides dense shade and is popular as a street and park tree.
Quick Facts
How to Identify American Linden
- Large, heart-shaped leaves with serrated margins, asymmetric at base
- Fragrant, pale yellow flower clusters hang from a leaf-like bract
- Dark gray bark with narrow, flat-topped ridges
- Small, round, hard nutlets attached to a papery wing bract
- Dense, rounded to pyramidal crown
Care Guide
- Water deeply during extended dry periods
- Prune in late winter to remove crossing or dead branches
- Watch for aphid infestations that cause honeydew drip
- Fertilize young trees annually with a balanced fertilizer
- Protect from Japanese beetles, which favor linden foliage
Known Issues (2)
Spongy Moth (formerly Gypsy Moth)
MODERATEAn invasive moth introduced to Massachusetts in 1869. Caterpillars defoliate hundreds of tree species, preferring oaks. Repeated defoliation weakens and can kill trees, especially when combined with drought stress.
Affecting 20 regions
Japanese Beetle
MODERATEAn invasive beetle introduced to New Jersey in 1916. Adults skeletonize leaves of over 300 plant species while larvae (grubs) damage turf grass roots. They are particularly damaging to linden, birch, and fruit trees.
Affecting 35 regions