Tilia cordata, little‑leaf linden
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Broadleaf Deciduous Trees

Tilia cordata

little‑leaf linden

Malvaceae

Europe (British Isles to western Russia)

At a Glance

TypeTree
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height40-60 feet (12-18 m)
Width25-40 feet (7.6-12 m)
Maturity25 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

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

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Butterflies
Fragrant (moderate)
Maintenancelow

Overview

Tilia cordata is a medium to large deciduous tree reaching 40-60 feet (12-18 m) tall with a spread of 25-40 feet (7.6-12 m), developing a dense, pyramidal to broadly oval crown. The species name 'cordata' refers to the heart-shaped leaves, which are small for a linden: 1.5-3 inches (4-8 cm) across, alternate, simple, cordate, finely serrate, dark glossy green above, distinctively blue-green beneath with tufts of rusty-brown hair in the vein axils. Fall color is yellowish-green to yellow, not a strong feature. Bark is gray, smooth when young, developing shallow furrows with age. Flowers are small, pale yellow, fragrant, borne in pendulous cymes of 4-10, each cluster attached to a strap-shaped bract. Bloom in June to July, about 2 weeks later than T. americana. Fragrance is sweet, honey-like. Growth rate is moderate at 12-18 inches (30-46 cm) per year. One of the most widely planted street and shade trees in temperate climates due to its neat, dense form, tolerance of urban conditions, and adaptability. Long-lived at 150-300+ years. As with T. americana, aphids and honeydew are persistent concerns. The cultivar 'Greenspire' (pyramidal form, strong central leader) is the most commonly planted selection.

Native Range

Native to Europe, from the British Isles east to western Russia and south to the Mediterranean. Occurs in mesic deciduous forests, often on limestone soils. One of the most widely planted shade trees worldwide.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a shade tree, street tree, or formal specimen in parks and large gardens, spaced 25-35 feet (7.6-10.7 m) apart. The dense, neat form makes it one of the best large shade trees for formal and urban settings. Suitable as a street tree. NOT recommended over patios or parking due to aphid honeydew. 'Greenspire' is the standard cultivar — pyramidal, strong central leader, reliable. 'Corinthian' is narrower for tighter spaces.

How to Identify

Identified by small, heart-shaped leaves 1.5-3 inches (4-8 cm) with blue-green undersides bearing tufts of rusty-brown hair in vein axils, dense pyramidal to oval crown, and pendant clusters of fragrant pale yellow flowers with strap-shaped bracts. Distinguished from T. americana by much smaller leaves (1.5-3 vs 5-8 inches) and denser, neater crown. The blue-green leaf undersides with rusty tufts are diagnostic.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height40' - 60'
Width/Spread25' - 40'

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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Summer
Fragrant pale yellow flowers in pendant clusters with strap-shaped bracts appear in June to July, lasting 2-3 weeks. Bloom is approximately 2 weeks later than T. americana. Fragrance is sweet and honey-like. Flowers are important nectar sources for honeybees.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Pale yellow

Foliage Description

Dark glossy green above, blue-green beneath

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 - 8.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaysiltchalk
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 are moderately drought-tolerant but prefer consistent moisture. Plant in full sun for the densest crown; tolerates part shade. Tolerates a wide range of soils including alkaline conditions. Good urban tolerance — handles compacted soil, air pollution, and heat. Aphids are persistent and produce honeydew that drips onto surfaces below; do not plant over patios, parking areas, or light-colored walkways. Japanese beetles can defoliate in some areas. Good air circulation reduces disease.

Pruning

Prune in late winter (January through February). Establish a strong central leader in youth — the cultivar 'Greenspire' naturally maintains a strong leader. Remove crossing, rubbing, and dead branches. Thin interior for air circulation. Remove water sprouts and basal suckers. The dense, symmetrical crown requires relatively little corrective pruning compared to many shade trees.

Pruning Schedule

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winter

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic