Greg's Favorite Native Trees - Linden

Tila americana (Basswood, American Linden)

Although not considered long-lived when compared with its fellow primary forest trees…. The Oaks, Beeches and Hard Maples, the Basswood, nonetheless, is a true forest climax tree, living 150-200 years, making it a worthy member of home landscapes.

Native to most Ohio counties except in the bottom southwest corner, Basswood is especially strong in the northwest.

Basswood does best in full sun (6 hours or more) but is remarkably shade tolerant. Likewise, it prefers mesic soil but also handles dry areas. With good drainage alone, it is adaptable to many soils, making an excellent, dense canopied, pyramidal addition to most landscapes. Basswood is easy to transplant, fast-growing too, leaving the European Lindens far behind.

The 6” x 4” heavily toothed leaf is actually edible when young. The flower is a happy yellow, fragrant, blooming May and June and drawing native honeybees. Its honey is of high quality. Seed production occurs after 15 years.

This great tree will support many important pollinators, native songbirds love the seed, and it will also draw early or holdover hummingbirds. It’s a practical lawn tree; its density will eventually discourage turf grass directly beneath its narrow canopy but makes a good bed for shade-loving native perennials. Its shape and its large glossy leaves also create a good contrast with your home.