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American Linden Tree

Tilia americana

Regular price $8958
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Ships in 3-4 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50 $9.99
$50 - $99.99 $14.99
$100 - $149.99 $16.99
$150 - $198.99 $24.99
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Plant Profile & Growing Essentials

Cold hardy, Native, Flowering, Fragrant, Clay Tolerant, Attracts pollinators, and Hedge/Screen

Specifications

  • Botanical Name
    Tilia americana
  • Height
    75-90 ft
  • Width
    40-45 ft
  • Growing Zones
    3-8
  • Sunlight
    • Full sun
  • Growth Rate
    Moderate
  • Flower Color
    • Green
  • Leaf Color
    • Green
    • Yellow
  • Fall Color
    Yellow
  • Native
    Yes
  • Pollinator Friendly
    Yes
  • Bloom Period
    Late Spring

Planting & Care Instructions

Where to Plant

  • Sunlight: This tree performs best in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct light daily to maintain a dense, symmetrical canopy. While it tolerates partial shade, fewer hours of sun will result in a thinner crown and less fragrant flower clusters in early summer.
  • Soil: It thrives in deep, fertile loams but is impressively adaptable to various soil types. If you have heavy clay, incorporate organic compost at planting to improve drainage, as "wet feet" can lead to root decline in this species.

Watering Requirements

During the first two growing seasons, provide 10 to 15 gallons of water per week to help the deep root system settle into its new home. Once established, the American Linden is moderately drought-tolerant, though consistent moisture is necessary to prevent leaf scorch and premature leaf drop during intense summer heat. Without steady water during dry spells, you may notice the heart-shaped leaves turning brown along the edges or falling early.

Pruning Tips

Because this tree blooms on new wood produced during the current season, the best time to prune is in late winter or very early spring before the buds break. Think of it like a structural tune-up; focus on removing crossing branches or narrow V-shaped crotches to ensure a strong central leader. Pruning while dormant allows you to see the "bones" of the tree clearly and prevents the sap from attracting unnecessary pests during the growing season.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer in early spring just as the new growth begins to emerge. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers after mid-summer, as this can stimulate soft, succulent growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost. This late-season "tender" growth is highly susceptible to winter kill, which can damage the overall health of the canopy.

Valuable Native American Linden Shade Tree

  • Wonderful Native Tree
  • Fragrant Flowers
  • Basswood Honey
  • Well-Shaped, Hardy Shade Tree
  • Interest in Spring, Summer & Fall
  • Wildlife Appeal

Nature Hills is proud to offer the hard-to-find American Linden (Tilia americana) tree. This tree is a national treasure with lush foliage, strong wood, and amazing flowers! As it grows, Linden becomes a valuable asset in your yard.

Large, heart-shaped leaves cast dappled shade during hot summer months. They are dark green and held on strong, uniformly spaced branches, which makes this an excellent choice to use as a lovely shade tree.

Linden is well-known for its regal presence in the landscape. This stately tree makes a substantial impact on a large landscape.

Also known as the Basswood tree, the American Linden features fragrant clusters of pale yellow flowers that dangle from textured branches. They'll draw pollinators in to come feast on the nectar and carry laden pollen sacs back to the hive. Basswood honey simply can't be beat!

This gourmet honey is rich and dark. Homesteaders and entrepreneurs should consider setting up a profitable bee-keeping business with a stand of American Linden set in a pasture or back lot.

The fragrant flowers give way to small nutlets attached to 3-4" wings in summer. The pale green wings give a wonderful visual interest throughout your tree for the late summer. They make a nice contrast to the dark green leaves. When autumn comes on, the Linden's foliage deepens into a mellow yellow fall color.

The American Linden tree will please all your senses throughout the year. Order today!

How to Use American Linden in the Landscape

American Linden has been an American landscape favorite for hundreds of years. Its even, well-structured profile works in a wide variety of garden styles. It looks beautifully formal in a large front yard.

The color variation from the leaves and lighter green wings would also stand up in a rustic setting. Pair with shaggy, native evergreens along the back fence to cast welcome shade on an overly bright backyard.

Not only used as a lovely ornamental, but American Linden is also a valuable tree with potential as a cash crop. Grow them for specialty timber. Hobby woodworkers across the country love to use fine heartwood to make fine, bespoke furniture.

Create holistic products from the leaves and flowers as part of an herbal online store. Or, set up shop as a bee-keeper. American Linden produces a fine brown honey. Some consider the honey from Linden Flowers to be some of the best available.

The European Lindens, such as the Tilia cordata, have been used for centuries to make some of the finest honey in the world. The American Basswood produces the same fine-quality honey as its European relatives.

#ProPlantTips for Care

Native to a wide swathe of North America, the American Linden is widely adaptable to many types of soils and climates. Once established, American Linden doesn't mind a bit of drought. A nice, thick layer of mulch over the root system will help to keep it cool in dry times.

The tree requires good drainage but can tolerate both wet and dry locations. It can also tolerate higher pH soils.

Perfect for large properties, you won't want to miss out on the fragrance, style, and grace of the beautiful American Linden Tree. Order today!

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