American Basswood
Tilia americana · Deciduous broadleaf hardwood
Plant Family
Malvaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Standard species type
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 8
About This Tree
A large, stately shade tree with a dense, rounded to oval crown, sturdy trunk, and coarse branching structure. Known for its rapid growth rate and deep green foliage.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, alternate, broadly heart-shaped leaves ranging from 5 to 10 inches long, with sharply serrated margins, asymmetrical leaf bases, and prominently veined bright green surfaces.
Bark Characteristics
Gray to dark brown bark featuring deep, vertical furrows and flat-topped ridges that become increasingly thick and furrowed as the tree matures.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Eastern and central North America
Growing Season
Leafs out in mid-spring, blooms fragrant yellowish-white flowers in early to mid-summer, develops small nutlet fruits by late summer, and drops leaves in autumn after turning pale yellow.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Thrives in full sun to partial shade; requires moist, well-draining soils and adequate watering during establishment, though it has moderate moisture requirements once mature.
Mature Size
Reaches mature heights of 60 to 80 feet with a spread of 40 to 60 feet, exhibiting a fast growth rate and a lifespan often exceeding 100 years.
Special Characteristics
Produces highly fragrant flowers that are a magnet for bees (yielding basswood honey), soft lightweight wood historically used for carving, and decent tolerance to urban pollution.
Wildlife & Ecology
Highly valuable to pollinators due to nectar-rich flowers; seeds and foliage are utilized by various small mammals, birds, and insects.