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Small-leaved Lime

Tilia cordata

Shade treeDeciduousFrost Hardy

Small-leaved lime is a large native European tree with small heart-shaped leaves that are bluish-green beneath and very fragrant creamy-yellow flowers from late June to mid July, which are an important nectar source for bees. It is wind-firm and shade-tolerant, and forms a dense crown.

Overview

Height18–25 m
Crown diameter10–15 m
Root systemHeart-rooted
ShadeDense shade
SunPartial Shade
WaterMedium
HardinessUSDA zones 3–7

Seasons

Flowering (Central Europe)Jun, Jul

Planting time for bare-root trees. Container trees can be planted whenever the soil is workable.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

None

Bad Companions

None

Only relations with a documented cause are listed.

Toxicity

SeverityNon-toxic

ASPCA lists linden (Tilia americana) as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses; the nursery data sheet lists T. cordata as not toxic (as a rule).

Planting Tips

LocationSun to shade (semi-shade to shade-tolerant species); not suitable above parking or seating areas because aphids produce honeydew.
SoilGrows on most soils, preferably deep, moist loam; tolerates some drought and brief flooding.
WateringWater young trees in dry spells; established trees show some drought tolerance.
FertilizingNo species-specific fertiliser requirement documented in the sources used.

Care Tip: Heavy aphid infestation leads to sticky honeydew and sooty mould under the tree. Crown shape is variable and the tree is hard to raise (lift) later, so form the crown early.

Sources