The species are known as linden or lime for the European and Asian species, [2][3] and linden or basswood for North American species and more generally in American literature. [4][5] The greatest species diversity is found in Asia, but the genus also occurs widely in Europe and eastern North America.
Lindens are lovely easy-to-grow deciduous trees with large green leaves that cast rich shade in gardens, parks, and street plantings across the temperate world. Their fragrant flowers are popular in teas and are loved by bees and other pollinators.
There are around 30 species of linden trees and shrubs in the genus Tilia and the family Malvaceae. Typically, linden trees grow to between 65 and 130 ft. (20 – 40 m) tall and 50 ft. (15 m) wide. Suitable for large backyards, linden trees are excellent for shade due to their pyramidal, rounded crown and dense foliage.
Linden, (genus Tilia), genus of about 30 species of trees in the hibiscus, or mallow, family (Malvaceae) native to the Northern Hemisphere. A few are outstanding as ornamental and shade trees. Lindens are large graceful deciduous trees. The asymmetrical leaves are heart-shaped and coarsely toothed.
They are deciduous shade trees found growing wild in forests and gracing gardens in both urban and rural settings in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia. Commonly called linden, in North America these trees are often referred to as basswood, particularly the American basswood, T. americana.
Explore these 10 species of linden trees for your landscape. With most genera of plants, species native to a region will be the easiest to grow there.