American Basswood
Tilia americana · Malvaceae (Mallow family, formerly placed in Tiliaceae)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous leaf
Shape
Cordate (heart-shaped) with an asymmetrical base
Margin
Serrate or coarsely toothed with sharp, forward-pointing teeth
Arrangement
Alternate arrangement along the twig
Venation
Palmate venation radiating from the base, transitioning into pinnate venation along the prominent midrib, with pronounced net-like reticulation.
Key Features
Distinctively heart-shaped leaves with an asymmetrical (unequally cordate) base, coarsely serrated margins, palmate-pinnate pale yellow venation, and alternate leaf arrangement.
Description
The American Basswood is a stately, large deciduous tree known for its straight trunk, soft and light wood, and heavily branched, rounded crown. Its leaves are notably heart-shaped and lopsided at the base. In early summer, the tree produces fragrant, yellowish-white flowers hanging in clusters from a leafy bract, which develop into small, nut-like fruits.
Habitat
Rich, moist, well-drained soils of deciduous hardwood forests, often found along streams, ravines, and lower slopes under moderate shade to full sun.
Native Range
Native to eastern and central North America, ranging from southeastern Canada down to northeastern Texas and Florida, commonly planted as an urban shade tree.