Tilia americana, basswood
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Broadleaf Deciduous Trees

Tilia americana

basswood

Malvaceae

Eastern North America (Manitoba to Florida)

At a Glance

TypeTree
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height50-80 feet (15-24 m)
Width35-50 feet (10.7-15 m)
Maturity25 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

2 - 8
Zone 2
Zone 3
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Butterflies
Fragrant (strong)
Native to North America
Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Tilia americana is a large deciduous tree reaching 50-80 feet (15-24 m) tall with a spread of 35-50 feet (10.7-15 m), developing a broad, rounded to pyramidal crown. The largest-leaved of the lindens: leaves are alternate, simple, broadly ovate to cordate, 5-8 inches (13-20 cm) long and nearly as wide, coarsely serrate, with an asymmetrical base. Foliage is dark green above, paler beneath. Fall color is pale yellow, not a strong feature. Bark is gray, developing narrow ridges and flat-topped furrows with age. Flowers are small, pale yellow, intensely fragrant, borne in pendulous cymes of 6-20, each cluster attached to a distinctive pale green, strap-shaped bract 3-5 inches (8-13 cm) long that acts as a wing for seed dispersal. Bloom in June to July. Flowers are among the most important nectar sources for honeybees — basswood honey is a premium product. Fruit is a small, hard, round nutlet. Growth rate is moderate to fast at 12-24 inches (30-61 cm) per year. Long-lived, commonly 150-200+ years. The inner bark (bast) is fibrous and was traditionally used for cordage, mats, and weaving by indigenous peoples — the source of the common name 'basswood.' Aphids and associated honeydew and sooty mold are persistent problems, particularly in the Pacific Northwest.

Native Range

Native to eastern North America, from Manitoba to New Brunswick south to Texas and Florida. Occurs in mesic deciduous forests, particularly on rich, moist sites. Not native to the Pacific Northwest but grows well in the region.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a large shade tree in parks, large properties, and open spaces where the broad canopy and fragrant flowers can be appreciated, spaced 35-45 feet (10.7-13.7 m) apart. Valued by beekeepers for honey production. NOT suitable for planting over patios, vehicles, or walkways due to aphid honeydew. For a neater, smaller-leaved alternative, use Tilia cordata. The cultivar 'Redmond' has a more pyramidal, uniform form.

How to Identify

Identified by very large, heart-shaped leaves 5-8 inches (13-20 cm) long with asymmetrical bases, pendulous clusters of fragrant pale yellow flowers attached to a distinctive strap-shaped bract, and gray bark with flat-topped ridges. Distinguished from Tilia cordata (littleleaf linden) by much larger leaves (5-8 vs 2-3 inches). Distinguished from Cercis (redbud, also heart-shaped leaves) by alternate (vs alternate) arrangement but much larger leaf size and toothed (not entire) margins.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height50' - 80'
Width/Spread35' - 50'

Reaches mature size in approximately 25 years

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
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F
M
A
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J
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Summer
Intensely fragrant pale yellow flowers in pendulous clusters appear in June to July, lasting 2-3 weeks. Each flower cluster is attached to a distinctive pale green strap-shaped bract. Fragrance is sweet, honey-like, and pervasive — detectable from a distance. Flowers are among the most important nectar sources for honeybees; basswood honey is commercially valued.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Pale yellow

Foliage Description

Dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 4-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaysilt
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

8-15 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water regularly during the first two growing seasons. Established trees tolerate moderate drought but prefer consistent moisture. Plant in full sun to part shade. Prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soil. Aphids are a persistent problem, producing copious honeydew that drips onto surfaces below and promotes sooty mold — do not plant over patios, parking areas, or walkways. Japanese beetles can defoliate trees in some areas. Linden borer can damage stressed trees. Site with good air circulation.

Pruning

Prune in late winter (January through February). Establish a strong central leader in youth. Remove crossing, rubbing, and dead branches. Thin interior to improve air circulation. Remove epicormic sprouts (water sprouts) that develop along the trunk and major limbs. The species tends to produce abundant sprouts from the base; remove suckers if a single-trunk form is desired.

Pruning Schedule

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winter

Maintenance Level

moderate

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic