World Plants

Tilia cordata (Littleleaf Linden)

Michael's Opinion

A popular street tree, the Little Leaf Linden is used because of its tolerance to urban situations and its compact form. It can reach heights of 8 m. It does flower and although the flowers are quite small they are produced en masse and can be quite fragrant and attractive. It is a favourite of bees when in full bloom.

Botanical Information

Family	Malvaceae (Tiliaceae)
Genus	Tilia
Species	cordata
Category	Woody
Type	Tree (deciduous)
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone	3-7
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone	3
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Height	16 m
Spread	8 m
Growth	Medium
Flowering Period	June

Description and Growing Information

General Description	One of the best shade trees.
ID Characteristic	Has a very narrow dense head. The heart-shaped leaves are graceful and dark green with a medium texture and turn golden-yellow in autumn. Flowers are fragrant and are disease free.
Shape	Pyramidal.
Landscape	An excellent shade tree for large areas, lawns, streets, malls, planters and about any place where a real quality tree is desired.
Notable Specimens	Trebah Gardens, Mawnan Smith, Nr Falmouth, Cornwall.
Bark/Stem Description	Stem is slender and lustrous brown in colour.
Flower/Leaf Bud Description	Small, about 5 cm long and are brown in colour.
Leaf Description	Alternate, simple, suborbicular and cordate. Dark green and glabrous and somewhat lustrous above. Glaucous and glabrous beneath.
Flower Description	Yellowish, fragrant and bloom in late June or early July.
Fruit Description	Globose nutlet, thin-shelled and is covered with a grey pubescence.
Colour Description	Foliage is dark shiny green and flowers are creamy-yellow.
Texture Description	Medium in all seasons.