Figure 6.—American linden (Tilia americana)

Synonyms

Tilia glabra Vent.; T. canadensis Michx.

Other Common Names

Basswood, whitewood, bast tree, black lime tree, American lin tree, American lime tree, beetree, daddynut tree, monkeynut tree, whistlewood, white lind, red basswood, yellow basswood, wickup.

Habitat And Range

This native forest tree is found in rich woods, especially along the mountains, from Canada to Georgia and west to Texas and Nebraska.

Description

The American linden is a large tree attaining a height of from 60 to 125 feet with a trunk diameter of 2 to 5 feet, with spreading branches. The somewhat leathery leaves are pointed at the apex, heart-shaped at the base, with sharply toothed margins and are borne on stems about 1 or 2 inches long. The flowers are produced in great abundance from May to June in drooping clusters composed of from 6 to 20 yellowish, very fragrant flowers. At the base of each cluster and grown to its stalk is a leaflike bract 2 to 4 inches in length. The roundish, grayish-green fruit is dry and woody and contains one or two seeds.

Part Used

The flowers, carefully dried in the shade.