Littleleaf Linden
Tilia cordata · Deciduous Broadleaf Hardwood
Plant Family
Malvaceae (formerly Tiliaceae)
Tree Category
Shade Tree / Ornamental / Street Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Common species (resembles 'Greenspire' in form)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 3-7; highly adaptable to various soil pH levels and urban pollution.
About This Tree
A medium to large deciduous tree with a dense, symmetrical, pyramidal to heart-shaped crown. Known for its formal appearance and fragrant summer blooms.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, heart-shaped (cordate) leaves, 2-4 inches long, alternate arrangement, finely serrated margins, dark green above and silvery-green below, turning yellow in autumn.
Bark Characteristics
Gray-brown and smooth on young trees, becoming shallowly furrowed into long, narrow ridges with flat tops on mature specimens.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and Western Asia; widely naturalized in North America and temperate regions.
Growing Season
Leafs out in mid-spring; flowers in early summer (June/July); enters dormancy in late autumn after turning yellow.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun to partial shade; requires moist, well-drained soil; moderate drought tolerance once established but prefers consistent moisture.
Mature Size
Height of 50-70 feet, spread of 30-50 feet; moderate growth rate; can live 70-150 years in urban settings.
Special Characteristics
Highly fragrant flowers used for tea; excellent pollution and salt tolerance; produces 'honey-sweet' nectar; wood is prized for intricate carving.
Wildlife & Ecology
Major nectar source for honeybees and bumblebees (linden honey); provides nesting sites for songbirds; seeds are eaten by small mammals.