Family: Tiliaceae
Common Name: Linden, Lime

Native to cool temperate regions of the northern hemisphere, this genus includes between 40 and 50 species of ornamental, deciduous trees, cultivated since ancient times. Both quick growing and long lived, they are known to sur­vive for hundreds of years. Often grown as street and screening trees in cooler climates, they have a regular, pyramidal habit when young, with clusters of small, yellow-green, fra­grant flowers, followed by rather inconspicuous fruits. Several species yield soft but strong wood, used for making musical instruments.

Species

T. americana, American linden or bass-wood, zone 3, from eastern North America, grows to 40 m (130 ft). It has a straight trunk, smooth when young, clothed with deeply fis­sured bark when mature. The oval, dull green leaves, 10-20 cm (4-8 in) long, have toothed margins. The drooping clusters of flowers are followed by small, hairy fruit. This species has given rise to many cultivars.

T. cordata, small-leaved linden, zone 3, grows to 30 m (100 ft). The rounded, finely toothed leaves are about 6 cm (2½ in), across and the flowers are borne in spreading clusters. The small, gray fruit is slightly ribbed. Timber of this species is used for wood carving.

T. x europaea, common lime, zone 4, grows to 30 m 1100 ft). It has a sturdy trunk and a dense, shapely crown of dark green, heart-shaped foliage. Clusters of pale yellow flowers appear in midsummer, fol­lowed by small, rounded fruits. The bark, timber and flowers of lime have all been used over many centuries. Lime flower tea is still popular as a refreshing and soothing beverage. T. 'Petiolaris' weeping linden, zone 6, grows to about 25 m (80 ft), with pendulous branches and oval leaves that are hairy underneath. The flower clusters are followed by warty-skinned fruits.

T. platyphyllos, large-leaved linden, zone 5, from Europe and south-west Asia, to 40 m (130 ft), has a straight, gray trunk and dark green, heart-shaped, hairy leaves, to 12 cm (5 in) long, with toothed edges. The clusters of pale yellow flowers are followed by small, pear-shaped, ribbed fruits. Its many cultivars include 'Rubra', with bright red young twigs.

T. tomen­tosa, silver linden, zone 6, from south-western Asia and southern Europe, has a broad, pyrami­dal shape, to 30 m (100 ft). This species has upright-growing branches and round, serrated leaves, to 10 cm (4 in) long with white hairs on the undersides. The clusters of greenish, summer flowers are followed by small, rough, oval fruit. This species tolerates dry conditions and pollution, but its nectar may be toxic to bees.

Cultivation

Limes need a deep, well-drained yet moist soil, preferably alkaline, but acid is acceptable. They take sun or partial shade, but are not very wind-tolerant. Propagate from seed sown outdoors in autumn, or from rooted suckers in autumn. Cultivars can be budded in summer.

Climate

There are species suited to various climatic zones.