American Basswood, American Linden, Whitewood, Bee-tree
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Malvales, Family: Malvaceae, Genus: Tilia, Species: Tilia americana · Malvaceae (Mallow family), formerly placed in Tiliaceae (Linden family) · Simple, deciduous leaf
Species
Tilia americana
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous leaf
Family
Malvaceae (Mallow family), formerly placed in Tiliaceae (Linden family)
Shape
Broadly ovate to cordate (heart-shaped) with a noticeably asymmetrical (unequal) base and an acuminate (long-pointed) tip
Size
Approximately 5-7 inches long and 4-5 inches wide. Mature leaves typically range from 3 to 8 inches in length and width, often larger on young sprouts.
Margin
Coarsely serrate (toothed) with sharp, distinct teeth
Arrangement
Alternate arrangement along the slender, zig-zag twigs
Rarity
Very Common throughout its native range in hardwood forests and suburban landscapes
Color & Pattern
Medium-to-dark green upper surface with a slightly paler yellow-green underside. Veins show lighter yellow-green pigmentation.
Venation Pattern
Pinnate to palmately-pinnate at the cordate base, with prominent secondary veins arching toward the leaf margins and fine reticulate tertiary veinlets
Texture & Surface
Upper surface is smooth (glabrous) to slightly rough, with fine puberulent tufts of light hairs in the vein axils on the lower surface
Description
A medium to large deciduous tree reaching heights of 60 to 100 feet with a dense, rounded crown. The leaves are large, heart-shaped, and distinctively asymmetrical at the base. In summer, it produces fragrant, cream-colored flowers attached to a leaf-like leafy bract, followed by small, woody nutlets. Bark on mature trees is dark gray-brown with narrow, flat-topped ridges separated by deep furrows.
Key Features
Distinctly asymmetrical leaf base, heart-shaped outline with sharp serrations, long slender petiole, reddish-green plump winter buds with two visible scales, and specialized floral bracts
Habitat
Rich, moist, well-drained soils in mesic deciduous forests, slopes, river bottoms, and valleys
Geographic Range
Native to eastern and central North America, ranging from Quebec and New Brunswick south to northern Florida and west to North Dakota and Texas
Condition Notes
The leaf appears in Excellent health with vibrant green pigmentation, crisp serrations, intact tip, and minimal visible insect damage or chlorosis.
Interesting Facts
Known as the 'Bee-tree' because its sweet, fragrant flowers attract swarms of honeybees, producing a prized, pale, mild-flavored honey. The fibrous inner bark (bast) was historically used by Native Americans to weave rope, nets, mats, and baskets.
Medicinal & Uses
Flowers are traditionally brewed into a soothing herbal tea (tilleul) used for relaxation, colds, and mild hypertension. The light, soft wood is prized for woodcarving, electric guitar bodies, food containers, and venetian blinds.
Ecological Role
Provides nectar for native bees and pollinators, leaves serve as host food for dozens of caterpillar species (including moth larvae), and soft wood provides cavity nesting sites for birds and mammals.
Similar Species
Littleleaf Linden (Tilia cordata) has much smaller leaves (1.5-3 inches) with tufts of rusty brown hair on the underside. White Basswood (Tilia heterophylla) features silvery-white dense woolly hairs under the leaves.
Foraging Tips
Look for heart-shaped, lopsided leaf bases in rich hardwood forests. Young leaf buds and tender young leaves in early spring are soft and edible raw in salads.
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic. Flowers, young leaves, and sap are edible and safe for humans and pets.