The native range extends from Canada's Manitoba and New Brunswick southward to the Ozarks and southern Appalachians in the United States. American Basswood (Tilia americana) is known for the alluring scent and abundant nectar of its flowers, as well as its lightweight, odorless wood which lends itself to the production of food crates and boxes, musical instrument parts, yard sticks and cabinets. American basswood is native to the Chicago area and is often used as a specimen or dense shade tree. American linden is susceptible to certain diseases that affect the leaves, with black mold and leaf spot two of these ailments, but usually the tree withstands any symptoms that result. Diseases. In early summer, creamy-yellow, fragrant flowers appear in drooping cymes. Have you ever picked up a leaf that was dotted with bumps or had long protrusions dangling from it? Its whiteish flowers are typically in bloom by mid-June and fill the summer air with a pleasant fragrance. Leaf rust can cause some defoliation. Flowers:  Frequent consumption of tea made with the honey-flavored flowers can cause heart damage. Basswood flowers in early summer, and the sweet-scented blooms are frequented by honeybees, which make a delicious honey from the tree. Because it is a nice shade tree that can reach heights of 80 feet or more, basswood should only be planted in large spaces. It is a host plant for the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterfly. American linden or American basswood is noted for its fragrant pale yellow flowers in late spring, small nutlets with attached leafy wings and large ovate dark green leaves (to 6” long) with acuminate tips, serrate margins and uneven cordate bases. American linden or American basswood is noted for its fragrant pale yellow flowers in late spring, small nutlets with attached leafy wings and large ovate dark green leaves (to 6” long) with acuminate tips, serrate margins and uneven cordate bases. Volume has increased 44% since 1983 and 8% since 1996. Any injury to the trunk or branches of a linden tree can allow organisms that bring about decay to enter the wood. American basswood Tilia americana. Diseases Anthracnose, leaf blight, canker, leaf spots, powdery mildew, and verticillium wilt are some diseases than can infect American linden. They can also suffer infestations of aphids, sap-sucking insects and gall mites, including the nail gall. Powdery mildew, leaf spots, and cankers may occur. American Basswood (Tilia americana) is known for the alluring scent and abundant nectar of its flowers, as well as its lightweight, odorless wood which lends itself to the production of food crates and boxes, musical instrument parts, yard sticks and cabinets. It is a medium to large deciduous tree, typically growing to 50-80’ (less frequently to 120’) tall with an ovate, rounded crown. Multiple fungi can cause leaf spots or leaf blotches on the large leaves of the American linden, including... Cankers. It grows to a height of 50–70 feet and a diameter of 2–3 feet. You may see borers, beetles, lacebugs, caterpillars, and scale. The tree frequently has two or more trunks and vigorously sprouts from stumps as well as seed. Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours), 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4b, 4a, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8b, 8a. American Basswood (Tilia americana) The Basswood tree, also known as the American Linden, can reach 80 to 100 feet in height, but is most often seen at 40 to 50 feet in height with a spread of 35 to 40 feet. The branches are slender, somewhat pendulous, comparatively small and numerous, forming a broad and rounded head. Of the several species of linden trees grown in the United States, the American linden, or basswood (Tilia americana), is the only U.S. native. American basswood produces a cyme of 5-10 fragrant pale yellow flowers in late spring and early summer. The American basswood tree excels in beauty almost all others, and it is well known that it furnishes a large amount of excellent nectar. Tilia Tilia. Diseases of The American Linden Tree Leaf Spots. It is a long-lived tree… American basswood is an important timber tree, especially in the Great Lakes States. It secretes honeydew and can cause mold fungus. The … It is commonly planted as a shade tree in urban areas of the eastern states. As the tree ages, the bark turns gray/brown and develops shallow furrows and fibrous flat-top ridges. A distinctly pyramidal shape when young, a straight and sturdy trunk and glossy green leaves set it apart from other large shade trees. replaced by more shade tolerant species like American basswood. Lumber, pulpwood, veneer, shade tree in urban areas; soft wood for carving. Dry green leaves and flowers of Linden, Tilia, lime or basswood, on the white, wooden table. American lime , Basswood, American linden, American basswood, American whitewood, Whitewood. When dry, the wood has no characteristic odor or taste. Read our Commitment to Diversity | Read our Privacy Statement. More shade tolerant than many other large trees. It is easy to transplant is tolerant of clay soil and some drought once established. Some of the linden tree diseases can impact a tree’s appearance or vigor. American Basswood Fruits. T. americana - T. americana is a broadly columnar, deciduous tree with rounded to broadly ovate, toothed, dark green leaves, glossy beneath, and pendent cymes of pale yellow flowers in summer. Most often seen at 40 to 50 feet in height with a spread of 35 to 40 feet, American linden or basswood is capable of reaching 80 to 100 feet or more. Read our Commitment to Diversity | Read our Privacy Statement. Basswood attracts many insect pests including Japanese beetles and skeletonized leaves are common. American basswood is an important timber tree, especially in the Great Lakes States. It does not tolerate air pollution or urban conditions. The large, heart-shaped leaves can be 10 inches across on young trees, providing a bold texture. American basswood American basswood. Seeds eaten by birds and squirrels. These hardy trees are rarely bothered by disease or insects. Another common name for Basswood is American Linden, as the tree is in the Tilia genus. Fall Color Basswood Leaves. Genus. Some of the linden tree diseases can impact a tree’s appearance or vigor. American linden is a useful shade tree and a good honey plant in the Malvaceae family. Longitudinally furrowed with flat-top ridges and rough texture. The American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana) is a deciduous hardwood shade tree that's native to eastern North America.It is part of the Betulaceae (birch) family and has several nicknames, including blue beech, muscle beech, water beech, muscletree, musclewood, and ironwood. Tilia americana, commonly called American basswood or American linden, is a medium to large deciduous tree which typically grows to 50-80’ (infrequently to over 100’) tall with an ovate-rounded crown. form a strategic partnership called N.C. heterophyla: Rich coves and mesic to dry slopes (the drier sites usually on limestone), often one of the most abundant trees in Southern Appalachian cove forests. American basswood is a medium-sized tree with small, horizontal, often drooping branches forming a broad, rounded head. They are broadly egg-shaped to heart-shaped in outline, and toothed; the upper surface Light, soft, easily worked and carved, American basswood is used for Because it is a nice shade tree that can reach heights of 80 feet or more, basswood should only be planted in large spaces. The tree is pyramidal when young but develops into a striking specimen with an upright, oval canopy atop a tall, straight trunk. var. In New England, American basswood is a highly preferred host for gypsy moth (21), while in southern Quebec, it was classified as intermediate in susceptibility to gypsy moth defoliation (27). long (15 cm), turning, at best, yellow-green in the fall. Compare this plant to: T. cordata , T. tomentosa, and T. x europaea) may make better selections for urban areas. The soft, light wood has many uses in wood products. With space for text. Severe pruning and avoiding overfeeding help in preventing these diseases. American Basswood (Tilia americana) An attractive shade tree, the American basswood can grow as tall at 60 to 80 feet with a round and lush crown made up of heart-shaped leaves. Particularly sensitive to heat and soil compaction. The average height of the American linden ranges from 60 to 125 feet, with the tree attaining a rounded form with a canopy of spreading branches. The leaves are alternate,5–6 inch-es long with uneven bases. Herbal medicine. As long as the tree is kept healthy, few insects or diseases are likely to cause lasting damage; Basswood trees are not fussy or high-maintenance and tend to live about 150 years; Hardiness: zones 3 through 8; Soil and Sun. Basswood Uses . It grows faster than many North American hardwoods, often twice the annual growth rate of American beech and many birch species. The tree is pyramidal when young but develops into a striking specimen with an upright, oval canopy atop a tall, straight trunk. Disease: Leaf rust is a major defoliator of basswood but some cultivars are resistant. The canopy is well distributed and the foliage has good color. In North Carolina, the pale-yellow flowers are available from May to July. Its common name, basswood, is derived from the tough fibrous inner bark called “bast” that is used to make ropes, baskets, mats and many other lightweight wood products. The American basswood is a medium-sized to large deciduous tree reaching a height of 18 to 37 m (60 to 120 ft) exceptionally 39 m (128 ft) with a trunk diameter of 1–1.5 m (3–5 ft) at maturity. Mite galls commonly form on the foliage. Compare this plant to: T. cordata, T. tomentosa, and T. x europaea) may make better selections for urban areas. Unfortunately, this attractive tree is susceptible to multiple diseases. Cooperative Extension, which staffs local offices in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Dried flowers are used to make tea. The reference to muscle relates to the tree's characteristic fluted trunk and branches that look like muscle tissue. Its seeds are eaten by birds and squirrels. Two varieties, Fastigiata and Redmond basswood trees, do not seem to cause much root damage, so they make excellent street trees. NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to Foliage: Fall Bloom: Summer, June Fruit: Late Summer Branches: Winter, red. American Linden - Tilia americana Basswood Family (Tiliaceae) Introduction: This American native was used for centuries for its fibrous inner bark and fragrant flowers. It is the northernmost basswood species. In North Carolina, flowers are available from July to August. It is easy to transplant is tolerant of clay soil and some drought once established. Wildlife:  This plant is moderately resistant to damage from deer. This tree does not survive well in city conditions. American basswood is a large and rapid-growing tree of eastern and central North America. Basswood or American Linden Tilia americana Height: 35’ - 50’ ... such as Dutch elm disease, chestnut blight and emerald ash borer has taught us the importance of species diversity in our landscapes. In New England, American basswood is a highly preferred host for gypsy moth, while in southern Quebec, it was classified as susceptibe to gypsy moth defoliation. Native to northern Delaware (though not common), American basswood prefers deep, rich soils but can also be planted in urban areas. Leaves are alternate, simple, 5–6 inches long, 3–5 inches wide, broadest near the base; margin coarsely toothed; tip pointed, base unequal, rounded; upper surface dark green, shiny; lower surface paler, with tufts of hair in the vein axils. Powdery mildew, leaf spots, and cankers may occur. American linden, or also known as American basswood is a medium to large tree, typically 60-100 feet tall at maturity with a rounded crown. American basswood is also harmed by infestations of aphids. Spider mites can do significant damage, particularly in hot, dry periods. In Minnesota mature trees are usually 50 ′ to 70 ′ tall and up to 36 ″ in diameter at breast height. Other Common Names: American Lime, Linden and American Whitewood . One of the attractive aspects of the tree is the dark green color of its foliage during spring and summer; the fall color is usually another shade of green or a faded yellow. By avoiding over fertilizing and over-watering, aphids can be discouraged. American basswood (usually called American linden in the horticultural business) is a stately and well formed deciduous tree with large heart-shaped leaves, a clean, straight trunk, and a broad, rounded crown. Particularly sensitive to heat and soil compaction. The lower branches remain on the tree and gently drape toward the ground before sweeping up in a gentle curve. Brown nut-like structure that is attached to papery bract. Other diseases that infect basswood are Anthracnose, canker, leaf spots , powdery mildew , … Fire Risk: This plant has a low flammability rating. When a tree is in full bloom, bees often visit in such abundant numbers that humming can be heard many feet from the tree. This plant provides nectar for pollinators and is a larval host plant for Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus). Diseases that Can Affect American Basswood. It is often found (and prefers) growing along moist stream banks but tolerates some drought. Powdery mildew, leaf spots, and cankers are other diseases that rarely occur. The reference to muscle relates to the tree's characteristic fluted trunk and branches that look like muscle tissue. Flowers:  Frequent consumption of tea made with the honey flavored flowers can cause heart damage. Basswood gets 60-80 ft (18.3-24 m) and occassionally over 100 ft (30.5 m) tall with a spread of about half its height. It rises on a single or often two or more stems, usually from suckers. American linden trees (Tilia americana) are loved by homeowners for their lovely shape, deep foliage, and beautiful fragrance.A deciduous tree, it thrives in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 8. Anthracnose, leaf blight, canker, leaf spots, powdery mildew, and verticillium wilt are some diseases than can infect American … Cooperative Extension, which staffs local offices in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The tree is also well known as a honey-tree, and the seeds and twigs are eaten by wildlife. Cultivars include 'Nova', 'Duros' (with an upright crown), the pyramidal 'Frontyard' and the conic-crowned 'Redmond'. caroliniana: Mesic forests, in the outer Coastal Plain usually associated with shell deposits, Indian shell middens, or underlying coquina limestone, var. americana: Rich coves, rocky slopes, metabasalt boulderfields, rich north-facing river bluffs, calcareous Coastal Plain ravines, var. Phonetic Spelling TIL-ee-uh a-mer-ih-KAY-nah het-er-oh-FIL-uh Description. Its flowers are so attractive to honeybees you may hear the tree buzzing from several feet away. A North American native tree, American linden prefers moist, fertile soils, acid or slightly alkaline, in full sun or partial shade. Trees are found in both dry upland areas as well as moist, low woods. The … Although the leaf damage is just now becoming noticeable, travelers on the northern portion of I-75 in Ohio will soon be treated to "flaming" basswoods gracing the woodlots along … Native to northern Delaware (though not common), American basswood prefers deep, rich soils but can also be planted in urban areas. The common name of linden plus the family name of Linneaus (famous Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus was ennobled as Carl von Linne) both derive from lind which is the Swedish word for a linden tree. It keeps tree neither wet nor dry. Unfortunately, this attractive tree is susceptible to multiple diseases. Cankers are sunken areas of dead tissue that may appear on an American linden's trunk or branches; they are... Wood Decay. Watering. Tilia americana, commonly called American basswood or American linden, is a medium to large deciduous tree which typically grows to 50-80’ (infrequently to over 100’) tall with an ovate-rounded crown. For instance, the volume in large trees (over 13 inches in diameter) has more than doubled in this time (chart on left below). American Basswood (Tilia americana) The Basswood tree, also known as the American Linden, can reach 80 to 100 feet in height, but is most often seen at 40 to 50 feet in height with a spread of 35 to 40 feet. The flowers are small, creamy-white and aromatic. They are occasionally affected by wilt, which can be fatal. The best way to help keep your linden tree healthy and happy is to be aware of the signs and symptoms of these infections so that you can react quickly and effectively should your linden tree develop symptoms. American Linden) is a large forest tree found throughout most of Minnesota's rich forest areas, though most predominant in central and south eastern woodlands, and is an important member of the Maple-Basswood forests of the area. American Basswood (Tilia americana) An attractive shade tree, the American basswood can grow as tall at 60 to 80 feet with a round and lush crown made up of heart-shaped leaves. Old trees often contain hollows used for cover by wildlife. In hot, dry conditions spider mites may pose a significant problem. The tree is pyramidal when young but develops into a striking specimen with an upright, oval canopy atop a tall, straight trunk. Tilia, basswood, honey plant black and white sketch. The sapwood of Basswood is creamy white in color, merging into the heartwood, which is pale to reddish brown, sometimes with darker streaks. It is one of the most common diseases that linden trees fall prey to. Exotic invasive pests can devastate existing trees because many of these species may not have evolved resistance mechanisms in their native environments. The fungus that causes verticillium wilt forms in the soil and affects the tree through wounds in the root. In form, Basswood is like an oversized European linden (Tilia cordata), featuring similar outline, leaf shape and blooms. American linden trees (Tilia americana) are loved by homeowners for their lovely shape, deep foliage, and beautiful fragrance.A deciduous tree, it thrives in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 8. American Basswood (a.k.a. The fungus then reaches the xylem and spreads throughout the tree, causing the leaves and branches to die, eventually killing the tree. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious insect or disease problems. American basswood is a medium-sized tree with small, horizontal, often drooping branches forming a broad, rounded head. Cooperative Extension prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and veteran status. Linden flowers freehand vector illustration. Autumn colors on beautiful American Basswood tree in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Species. young trees, it is smooth or slightly fis-sured and has a grayish appearance. Stately and imposing, Tilia americana (American Basswood) is a large deciduous tree adorned with an ovate-rounded crown boasting large ovate dark green leaves, up to 6 in. I chose to profile the white basswood tree because it’s a North American Linden of impressive size in our collection. Butterflies and other insects nectar at the flowers. American linden, or also known as American basswood is a medium to large tree, typically 60-100 feet tall at maturity with a rounded crown. Linden trees require little maintenance and are pollution tolerant, but some trees do develop diseases. The tree's edible leaves have been used for livestock and human consumption and the fibrous, pliable inner bark (bast) was a significant source of fiber for ropes, cords, mats and nets used by Native Americans and early European settlers.Because it is a source of bast, the common name "basswood" is derived. Leaf size and density is normal for the species. It has large leaves (up to 6 inches) that are ovate in shape, and dark green with acuminate tips, serrate margins, and uneven cordate bases. It has been described as a “ hampion Tree” by Mrs. Ducannon. Leaves are alternate, simple, 5–6 inches long, 3–5 inches wide, broadest near the base; margin coarsely toothed; tip pointed, base unequal, rounded; upper surface dark green, shiny; lower surface paler, with tufts of hair in the vein axils. The American basswood tree needs weekly watering. Dormant buds tinged red provide winter interest, Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). American Basswood; American Linden; Basswood; Linden; Phonetic Spelling TIL-ee-uh a-mer-ih-KAY-nah Description. Try these trees for urban environments:  T. cordata, T. tomentosa. Dried flowers are used to make tea. Native to Large individuals can reach 90 ′ in height. Wildlife Value:  An amazing wildlife tree and a larval plant for red-spotted purple and mourning cloak butterflies. N.C. Trees are commercially harvested, particularly in the Great Lakes region, for their light wood which is used to make such items as furniture, shipping crates, boxes, and veneer. You can order basswood or American linden trees from local nurseries or by mail from specialty growers … A bacterial or fungal disease affects the leaves and flowers of basswood tree. 1. var. Insect visitors include borers, beetles, lacebugs, caterpillars and scale. It is native to a variety of habitats from Quebec to the southeastern corner of Manitoba and far eastern North Dakota south to Oklahoma, Tennessee and North Carolina, with concentrations in forested areas of the Appalachian Mountains and along the Ohio River Valley to Missouri. Bloom: Late spring (June)  Fruit (Nut): Early summer  Buds/twigs:  Winter, tinged red. Another common name for Basswood is American Linden, as the tree is in the Tilia genus. American linden is a useful shade tree and a good honey plant in the Malvaceae family. Chances are these are leaf galls. American basswood Tilia americana. Bees and other pollinating insects enjoy the nectar from the flowers. Other Common Names: White basswood, American linden, ... has a short lifespan of about 20 years, however, it is not susceptible to problems caused by diseases or pests. While infrequent, Verticillium wilt can be fatal. Identification: This is a fast-growing, deciduous, hardwood tree. Did you know? High populations cause entire basswood trees to become reddish-brown. Cooperative Extension prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and veteran status. Leaf and Shoot Blight; Verticillium Wilt; Powdery Mildew; Anthracnose; Cytospora Canker; Leaf Spot and Melting-out; Insects that Can Affect American Basswood. American Basswood Fruits. The wood is soft, lightweight, and used for carving. A premier carving and turning hardwood, Basswood is a preferred species among high-end shutter manufacturers. It grows in loam soils rich in nitrogen and comprises mixed hardwood forests across this region. You may see it during its three flights from February-November in the deep south and two flights March-September in the north. The nectar makes an excellent tasting honey. The bark is smooth and gray/green in young trees. The common name of basswood is derived from bastwood, in reference to the tough inner bark (bast) which has been used to make rope and mats. Its heart-shaped leaves and fragrant flowers in June make it especially attractive for people, while songbirds and blue jays are attracted to its seeds and use the tree for shelter. Bees and other pollinating insects enjoy the nectar from the flowers. 134 AMERICAN BASSWOOD A B Tilia americana L. A merican basswood or linden occurs as scattered specimens throughout the state. The bark on the trunk of old trees is deeply and irregularly furrowed. Oystershell Scale; Walking Stick; American Basswood Twig Variations - Photos by Paul Wray, Iowa State University Powdery mildew, leaf spots, and cankers are other diseases that rarely occur. Its rank, thrifty growth, large, glossy- green leaves, delightfully perfumed flowers, adaptability to almost any soil and climate, and the ease with which it can be cultivated, make it one of the most desirable for lawn or lane. Tilia americana, commonly called American basswood or American linden, is a medium to large deciduous tree which typically grows to 50-80’ (infrequently to over 100’) tall with an ovate-rounded crown. On young trees… Mite galls commonly form on the foliage. From the first two or three months of planting basswood requires water twice in a week. American basswood (usually called American linden in the horticultural business) is a stately and well formed deciduous tree with large heart-shaped leaves, a clean, straight trunk, and a broad, rounded crown. These birds use the basswood tree as shelter. It has large leaves (up to 6 inches) that are ovate in shape, and dark green with acuminate tips, serrate margins, and uneven cordate bases. The leaves will show appreciable browning after a particularly dry season, but the tree appears fine the following year. Sooty Mold. Its whiteish flowers are typically in bloom by mid-June and fill the summer air with a pleasant fragrance. It is pale yellow-green in the fall. form a strategic partnership called N.C. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Verticillium wilt is infrequent, but can be fatal. Lime trees can be susceptible to fungal disease, which can cause root rot and bleeding cankers. It is pale yellow-green in the fall. MINNEAPOLIS — A 200-year-old American elm tree stood condemned, finally succumbing, it seemed, to the disease that has killed off hundreds of thousands of … Songbirds and small mammals eat the seeds. Gypsy moth is another problem for the basswood tree. Thousand Cankers Disease; Return to Hardwoods. This fungus … Verticillium Wilt. Skeletonized by … The American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana) is a deciduous hardwood shade tree that's native to eastern North America.It is part of the Betulaceae (birch) family and has several nicknames, including blue beech, muscle beech, water beech, muscletree, musclewood, and ironwood. When injured the tree produces a sweet mucilaginous sap. Lime-flower tea, made from the dried blossom, has a pleasing taste due to the aromatic oil found in the flowers. Basswood gets 60-80 ft (18.3-24 m) and occassionally over 100 ft (30.5 m) tall with a spread of about half its height. N.C. Unless suckers are removed from the base of the tree, a clump of small trees rather … The tree is a mature American Basswood approximately 110’ tall, measured with a clinometer, and has a canopy spread of approximately 70’ (photo No.1). Native American Uses of Basswood Basswood Outer Bark Basswood Inner Bark The basswood trees growing along our trails and in our forest today are the direct descendents of trees that grew on this land long before European settlers arrived. This tree is noted for its (a) cymes of fragrant, pale yellow, late spring flowers, (b) small nutlets which follow the flowers and ripen by late summer, (c) mucilaginous sap, (d) noticeable winter buds, and (e) large ovate dark green leaves (to 6” long) with acuminate tips, serrate margins, often silvery undersides and uneven cordate bases. Basswood is native to east-central North America. The aphids will secrete a honeydew which will result in a dark soot over objects below the tree, such as parked cars or lawn furniture. The leaves have a heart shape, are as long as 5 1/2 inches, as wide as 3 inches and have serrated edges. Heavy diseases and infestations can be treated by spraying of horticultural oil and insecticidal soap. It bears unique flowers and large, heart-shaped leaves. Linden trees that are bothered by scale insects, which ooze a … Verticillium wilt: This disease is a fungal disease that is very common among basswood trees. While infrequent, Verticillium wilt can be fatal. A database that provides information on more than 200 native tree and shrub species, and on almost 300 insects and 200 diseases found in Canada's forests. The tree is stately as a single specimen or when it is allowed to form a clump. NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to The basswood resource has aged since 1983. Basswoods are useful when planted as shelter-belts, or shade trees for large yards.