Tilia americana (basswood)

American linden, also known as American basswood, is a medium to large deciduous tree growing 60–120' tall with a trunk diameter of 3–5' at maturity. It grows faster than many North American hardwoods. Life expectancy is around 200 years. Fragrant, pale yellow flowers appear in June. If you want a tree for pollinators this is it; when a tree is in full bloom, the buzzing of the bees can be heard many feet from the tree. Flowers give way to cream-colored nutlets that ripen in late summer. Full sun to part shade. Tolerates clay soils. Recommended as an ornamental when deep shade is desired; no native tree produces more shade. 

American linden is most common in western Wisconsin and central Minnesota, but it occurs in the East in places that have moist soil and a relatively high pH. Its flower nectar attracts insects. The seeds are eaten by chipmunks, mice, and squirrels. Rabbits and voles eat the bark somestimes girdling young trees. The leaves serve as food for various butterfly caterpillars. Bees produce excellent honey with a mild spicy flavor from its blossoms. This species is also particularly susceptible to adult Japanese beetles, which eat its leaves. On Maryland DNR's Recommended Tree List.

BONAP Native Range Map (bright green indicates county native, dark green indicates state native)  

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