Tilia americana

Common Name

Tilia americana is commonly known as the American basswood, American linden, or bee-tree.

Description

Tilia americana is a large deciduous tree known for its heart-shaped leaves, fragrant flowers, and smooth gray bark. Key characteristics include:

• Height: Typically grows between 18-24 meters (60-80 feet), but can reach up to 30 meters (100 feet) in optimal conditions.
• Trunk: The trunk is straight and sturdy with smooth, gray bark that becomes furrowed with age.
• Leaves: The leaves are large, heart-shaped, and can grow up to 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) long. They are dark green on top and lighter green underneath, turning yellow in the fall.
• Flowers: The tree produces clusters of small, fragrant, pale yellow to white flowers in early summer. The flowers are highly attractive to bees.
• Fruit: The fruit is a small, round, hard nutlet attached to a leafy bract, which aids in wind dispersal.

Location/Distribution

Tilia americana is native to North America. Its distribution includes:

• Eastern United States: Found from Maine to Florida and west to Texas and the Dakotas.
• Southern Canada: Found in regions such as Ontario and Quebec.
• Preferred Habitat: Thrives in moist, well-drained soils and is often found in bottomlands, riverbanks, and rich upland forests.

Environmental Concerns

Tilia americana is generally considered beneficial, but there are a few environmental concerns:

• Susceptibility to Pests and Diseases: The tree can be affected by pests such as Japanese beetles and diseases like leaf spot and verticillium wilt.
• Urban Pollution: While relatively tolerant, American basswood can suffer from air pollution and soil compaction in urban environments.
• Large Size: The tree’s large size and extensive root system can be a concern in urban settings, where it may interfere with infrastructure.

Other Information

• Ornamental Use: American basswood is valued as an ornamental tree for its large, attractive leaves and fragrant flowers. It is used in parks, large gardens, and along streets.
• Wood Uses: The wood is lightweight, soft, and easy to work with, making it ideal for carving, furniture, musical instruments, and veneer. It is also used for pulpwood and cooperage.
• Ecological Value: The flowers are highly attractive to bees, making it an important species for honey production. The tree also provides habitat and food for various wildlife species, including birds and small mammals.
• Medicinal Uses: Traditionally, parts of the tree have been used in herbal medicine. The inner bark, leaves, and flowers have been used to treat colds, coughs, and other ailments. The flowers are also used to make a soothing tea.
• Growth Conditions: Prefers moist, well-drained, fertile soils and thrives in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate a range of soil types but performs best in loamy soils. The tree is relatively fast-growing and can live for several centuries.
• Cultural Significance: The American basswood has cultural significance for many Native American tribes, who used its wood, bark, and fibers for various purposes, including making ropes, mats, and medicinal preparations.
• Conservation Status: Not currently listed as endangered. It is a common species with stable populations in its native range.

Tilia americana is a versatile and attractive tree species with significant ornamental, ecological, and economic value. Its large size, fragrant flowers, and adaptability make it a popular choice for a variety of landscapes, while its importance to pollinators and wildlife underscores its ecological significance.