Littleleaf Linden, Small-leaved Lime, Common Lime
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Malvales, Family: Malvaceae, Genus: Tilia, Species: Tilia cordata · Malvaceae (Mallow family), formerly classified under Tiliaceae (Linden/Lime family) · Simple, broadleaf deciduous
Species
Tilia cordata
Leaf Type
Simple, broadleaf deciduous
Family
Malvaceae (Mallow family), formerly classified under Tiliaceae (Linden/Lime family)
Shape
Cordate (heart-shaped) to broadly ovate with an asymmetrical base and a sharp, pointed tip (acuminate apex)
Size
Approximately 2.5 to 4 inches (6 to 10 cm) long and wide, matching typical mature size for the species
Margin
Serrate to finely sharp-toothed along the margins
Arrangement
Alternate arrangement along the slender stems
Rarity
Very Common, widely cultivated in urban and suburban landscapes worldwide
Color & Pattern
Medium-to-dark green upper surface, paler underside. Some minor necrotic brown spots and small insect feeding signs are visible on the leaf surface.
Venation Pattern
Palmate-pinnate venation with prominent yellow-green primary and secondary veins branching reticulately
Texture & Surface
Smooth (glabrous) upper surface, thin and slightly leathery texture. Characteristic tiny tufts of brownish hairs typically present in vein axils on the underside.
Description
A medium-to-large deciduous tree growing up to 60-80 feet tall with a dense, symmetrical, pyramid-to-oval crown. Features heart-shaped leaves with distinct asymmetrical bases, pale yellowish-white fragrant summer flowers attached to leafy bracts, and smooth gray bark that becomes furrowed with age.
Key Features
Heart-shaped leaf with asymmetrical base, sharp sharp-toothed edges, tufts of rusty brown hairs in the vein axils underneath, and fragrant flowers attached to a long leaf-like leafy bract.
Habitat
Urban streets, parks, residential gardens, moist deciduous woodlands, river valleys, and well-drained fertile soils in full sun to partial shade
Geographic Range
Native to most of Europe and western Asia; widely naturalized and commonly planted as an ornamental shade tree across North America
Condition Notes
Good overall health with slight mechanical or insect damage (small brown necrotic lesions and minor edge feeding marks typical of mid-to-late summer foliage).
Interesting Facts
The fragrant flowers produce exceptional honey, known as basswood or linden honey. In European folklore, the linden tree was considered sacred and associated with justice, love, and fertility.
Medicinal & Uses
Dried flowers and bracts are widely brewed into 'tilleul' herbal tea to promote relaxation, relieve colds, and lower high blood pressure. Wood (basswood) is highly prized by woodcarvers for its soft, uniform grain.
Ecological Role
Provides crucial forage for honeybees and wild pollinators during summer flowering. Host plant for various caterpillar species including the lime hawk-moth.
Similar Species
Tilia americana (American Basswood - larger leaves), Tilia platyphyllos (Large-leaved Lime - larger leaves with soft hairs underneath), Morus species (Mulberries - often lobed, rough surface texture)
Foraging Tips
Young soft leaves in early spring are edible raw in salads. Harvest fully opened flowers with attached leafy bracts in early summer for brewing tea.
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic to humans, dogs, cats, and livestock. Generally safe for consumption as tea in moderate amounts.