American Basswood
Tilia americana · Deciduous broadleaf hardwood
Plant Family
Malvaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Species type, no distinct registered cultivar identified from visual cues
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 8, highly adaptable to northern cold climates and varied temperate conditions
About This Tree
A large, stately deciduous shade tree with a straight trunk, rounded to pyramidal crown, dense foliage, and moderately fast growth rate, valued for its soft timber and shade canopy
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, broadly cordate (heart-shaped) leaves measuring 4 to 8 inches long, alternate arrangement, finely serrated margins, asymmetrical base, medium green color turning pale yellow in autumn
Bark Characteristics
Dark gray to brown bark, developing deep vertical ridges and flat-topped furrows with age, often featuring lighter grayish patches and distinct fibrous texture
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to eastern and central North America, well-adapted to rich mesic soils of temperate deciduous forests
Growing Season
Leafs out in mid-spring, produces fragrant yellowish-white flowers in early summer, forms nutlets by late summer, and drops leaves to enter dormancy in autumn
Sunlight & Water Needs
Thrives in full sun to partial shade; prefers moist, well-draining, nutrient-rich soils with moderate drought tolerance once established
Mature Size
Expected mature height of 60 to 80 feet, spread of 30 to 50 feet, moderate to fast growth rate, with a lifespan of up to 100-150 years
Special Characteristics
Valued for lightweight timber, fragrant nectar-rich flowers prized by beekeepers for producing gourmet honey, and good pollution tolerance in urban landscapes
Wildlife & Ecology
Extremely attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies due to abundant nectar; seeds and buds are consumed by small mammals and birds, while the canopy provides nesting habitat