American Basswood, also known as American Linden, is a medium to large, deciduous, native shade tree. It has many ornamental qualities, from its dark green, lustrous, heart-shaped leaves to its small, pale-yellow, fragrant flowers, to its golden fall color. It is commonly used in residential plantings, tree lawns, parks, and as a street tree. It is a well-behaved, low-maintenance tree with a woody, laterally spreading root system that does not consist of a taproot, making transplanting easy. This tree prefers deep, moist and fertile soils and will grow faster in these conditions, capable of reaching 20-30' tall in the first 20 years. It is adaptable to less favorable conditions, but intolerant of air pollution in harsh urban environments.
American Basswood is an absolute favorite of bees and beekeepers alike! Another common name for this tree is “Bee-Tree” because of the popularity of its sweet nectar which attracts so many bees that the buzzing is audible from a distance. The honey they produce from it is highly prized, light in color and with a distinctive aroma. The bees cross-pollinate the flowers which will mature into drooping nutlets that mature in the fall and are dispersed by wind. They are sometimes eaten by squirrels, chipmunks and Bobwhite Quail. At least 132 species of Lepidoptera also host on Tilia americana, providing a considerable buffet for insectivorous birds and nestlings. Very mature individuals tend to form hollows and cavities that act as shelter for small mammals and nesting sites for woodpeckers, Wood Ducks and other cavity-nesting birds. Some have even been known to be full of honey!
The outer layers of bark are often a source of food in the winter for rabbits and voles, while deer will seek them out for browse at any time of year – trunk protection and fencing is highly recommended for the establishment years!
Sources:
Manual of Woody Landscape Plants by Michael A. Dirr
Midwestern Native Shrubs and Trees by Charlotte Adelman & Bernard L.
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Tilia americana (American Basswood, American Linden) - 3 gal
American Basswood, American Linden
Plant Care & Installation Quick-Guide
Proper acclimation and installation are key to your plant's success. Please cross-reference these tips with your plant's specific ID tags:
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Pre-Planting: Store plants in a light-appropriate area on soil or grass (avoid hot concrete or asphalt) and water daily until the soil is saturated and the pot feels heavy. If temperatures drop below 30°F, move pots to a garage or cover them to prevent root freeze.
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Installation: Dig a hole matching the depth of the pot, remove the fabric container, and ensure the plant’s crown or root flare is level with the ground. Fill gaps with soil, water heavily, and apply 2 inches of mulch—keeping it clear of the stem.
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Ongoing Care: Check moisture daily by feeling 1–2 inches into the soil; water deeply at the base if the soil feels dry or warm. Newly installed plants require frequent watering (up to 3–4 times weekly in heat) until fully established, which can take a few months for perennials and up to two years for trees.