Trees & woodland lore · Western North Carolina field companion
American linden
Tilia americana
Whole tree — Tilia americana. Species reference; the photographed specimen does not confirm the named variety. Age, pruning, and site affect its shape.☀ Full sun · ◐ Part sun or part shadePhoto by Virens ↗ · CC BY 2.0Photo contextResized and converted to WebP; full original composition retained.
Problems to recognize in WNC gardens. These are documented susceptibilities, not a local outbreak report or a diagnosis. Weather, elevation and growing conditions change the risk.
Diseases & similar-looking injury
Leaf spots and mildew may occur; Verticillium wilt is an infrequent but serious possibility.
Insects to recognize
Linden aphids, Japanese beetles, scale and spider mites may occur. Aphids can leave sticky honeydew below the canopy.
When to look
Check foliage during summer beetle activity and mites during hot, dry periods.
A useful first step
Assess feeding severity and tree vigor; support moisture and reduce compaction before deciding on treatment.
More growing details
Read the leaves
A large heart-shaped blade has an unequal base and sharp teeth; leaves attach alternately.
Read the bark
Gray bark becomes furrowed with long ridges.
Fruit & seed
Small nutlets dangle below a narrow pale leafy bract, an especially useful field clue.
Winter character
Alternate buds and remaining fruit bracts support identification.
Origin & place
The species occurs naturally in the southern Appalachian region; a planted specimen is not evidence of wild local origin.
WNC Notes
A North American shade tree. Provide adequate root space and moisture; watch for sticky honeydew below the canopy.
Sun Exposure
Full sun–part shade
MATURE HEIGHT (FT)
60–80
MATURE WIDTH (FT)
30–60
BLOOM SEASON
Early summer
BLOOM COLOR
Pale yellow fragrant
FALL / WINTER COLOR
Yellow
Wet-Soil Tolerance
High
Drought Tolerance
Low
LOOK CLOSELY
Two views, a closer look.
Place two photographs beside one another. Compare the overall plant with leaves, flowers, or bark when those views are available. Captions identify what each photograph actually shows. Images are not at the same scale; species references may show different cultivars.
Whole tree — Tilia americana. Species reference; the photographed specimen does not confirm the named variety. Age, pruning, and site affect its shape.☀ Full sun · ◐ Part sun or part shadePhoto by Virens ↗ · CC BY 2.0Photo contextResized and converted to WebP; full original composition retained.Species reference; does not confirm the named variety. Photograph subject: Tilia americana☀ Full sun · ◐ Part sun or part shadePlant Image Library ↗ · CC-BY-SA 2.0Photo contextResized and converted to WebP; full original composition retained.Leaves. Taxon reference; photograph alone does not establish a named cultivar.☀ Full sun · ◐ Part sun or part shadePatrick Brown ↗ · CC BY-SA 4.0Photo contextResized and converted to WebP; no diagnostic content altered.Ridged bark of American linden — species reference; cultivar identity not inferred.☀ Full sun · ◐ Part sun or part shadeRob Duval ↗ · CC BY-SA 3.0Photo contextResized and converted to WebP; full original composition retained.
Your margin of the garden.
Saved only in this browser on this device. Export your notes from My garden in the library.
