Tilia cordata

Linden trees (limes) are generally large, long-lived plants that can be found in broad avenues, in parks or in old villages. Small-leaved lime was declared our national tree of the Czech Republic in 1848 and it is a national tree of Slovakia and Slovenia, too. It is native to Europe and Caucasus where it thrives and makes large specimens where the tallest are documented.

Small-leaved lime is at least 15m tall and half as wide but in a couple of hundred years its size can double in large areas without root barriers. It makes rounded to broadly heart-shaped, finely toothed, deciduous, deep green leaves with greyish undersides. In autumn they turn yellow and orange-brown. In June appears a profusion of small, light yellow, fragrant flowers. They are melliferous but also allergenic.

Grow linden in full sun or partial shade. It likes moist but well-drained soil, preferably alkaline or neutral but it will withstand lightly acidic ground, too. It can take some drought but may get prone to pest and diseases on dry sites and loose leaves early. Stake young trees for at least three years from planting. Fully hardy to abt. -40 °C (USDA zone 3).

Last update 29-03-2021