Littleleaf Linden
Tilia cordata · Deciduous Broadleaf Hardwood
Plant Family
Malvaceae (formerly Tiliaceae)
Tree Category
Shade Tree / Street Tree / Ornamental
Variety / Cultivar
Greenspire (common urban cultivar)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 3 through 7; very cold hardy and tolerant of varying environmental conditions.
About This Tree
A medium to large tree with a dense, symmetrical crown that is pyramidal when young and becomes more oval-rounded with age. Known for its small, fragrant flowers and clean foliage.
Leaf Characteristics
Heart-shaped (cordate) leaves, 2 to 4 inches long; dark green on top with a silvery-green underside; finely serrated margins; alternate arrangement.
Bark Characteristics
Smooth and silver-gray when young, developing shallow furrows and ridged plates as the tree matures.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and Western Asia; widely naturalized in North America
Growing Season
Buds break in mid-spring; flowers in early summer (June/July); enters dormancy in late autumn; turns pale yellow in fall.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; prefers moist, well-drained loamy soils but is highly adaptable; moderate drought tolerance once established.
Mature Size
Mature height of 50 to 70 feet with a spread of 30 to 50 feet; moderate growth rate; lifespan of 70 to 150 years in urban settings.
Special Characteristics
Highly tolerant of urban pollution and salt; famous for 'Linden Honey' produced from its nectar; excellent uniform shade and formal appearance.
Wildlife & Ecology
Extremely valuable for pollinators, particularly honeybees and bumblebees; provides nesting sites for songbirds; seeds are occasionally eaten by small mammals.