American Basswood
Tilia americana · Malvaceae (Mallow family, which includes the subfamily Tilioideae)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Shape
Cordate (heart-shaped) to broadly ovate with an asymmetrical, oblique base and an acuminate tip
Margin
Serrate (coarsely and sharply toothed)
Arrangement
Alternate
Venation
Palmate-pinnate hybrid with prominent parallel lateral veins branching from a central midrib, and distinct net-like reticulate cross-veins
Key Features
Distinguished by its heart-shaped leaves with a distinctly asymmetrical (oblique) base, coarsely toothed margins, and a sharply tapering tip. The presence of tiny tufts of brownish hair in the vein axils on the underside is another classic diagnostic feature.
Description
The American Basswood is a large, majestic deciduous tree known for its straight trunk, soft wood, and deeply furrowed gray bark. It produces fragrant, yellowish-white flowers in drooping clusters that are heavily visited by bees, followed by small, woody nutlets hanging from a distinctive leafy bract. The leaves are large, lush, and unmistakably heart-shaped with a noticeably lopsided base.
Habitat
Rich, moist deciduous forest soils, lower slopes, ravine bottoms, and floodplains; prefers deep, fertile, well-drained soils and partial to full sun
Native Range
Native to eastern and central North America, ranging from southeastern Canada down to northeastern Texas and Florida