American Basswood
Tilia americana · Malvaceae (Mallow family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous leaf with alternate arrangement
Shape
Asymmetrically cordate (heart-shaped) with an oblique base
Margin
Coarsely serrate with sharply toothed edges
Arrangement
Alternate along the twigs
Venation
Palmate venation from the base transitioning to pinnate along the prominent midrib
Key Features
Asymmetrically heart-shaped leaves with an uneven base, sharply toothed margins, fragrant clusters of flowers attached to a leaf-like bract, and soft, lightweight wood with fibrous inner bark
Description
The American Basswood is a stately, large deciduous tree known for its dense, rounded crown, deeply furrowed grey bark, and heart-shaped leaves. In early summer, it produces fragrant, yellowish-white flowers drooping from a distinctive leafy bract, followed by small, woody nutlets.
Habitat
Rich, moist deciduous woods, bottomlands, and lower slopes with deep, fertile, well-drained soils; prefers full sun to partial shade
Native Range
Native to eastern and central North America, ranging from southeastern Canada south to northeastern Oklahoma and Georgia