American Lime, Basswood, American linden
Tilia americana
Family: Malvaceae
What it is like
A large tree which loses its leaves. It grows to 25-35 m tall. The trunk can be 100 cm across. The crown is rounded. The leaves are alternate and simple. They are 12-20 cm long by 15 cm across. It has a longer tip. The leaf is dull green above and lighter underneath. There are tufts of hair in the axils of the veins. The flowers are creamy yellow. They have a scent. They are 11-13 mm across. The fruit are 8-12 mm across. They are covered with brown hairs.
There are between 20 and 45 Tilia species. These have also been in the Tiliaceae.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It is native to E. North America. It grows on moist slopes. It can tolerate shade. It will grow in most soils. It grows naturally in forests in mountains in Canada. It suits hardiness zones 3-9. Arboretum Tasmania. Hobart Botanical Gardens.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, Canada, Europe, North America, Tasmania, USA
How it is used for food
The flower is used as a salad vegetable and to make tea. CAUTION: It should only be drunk in small quantities. The sap is used for a beverage. It can be boiled down to syrup and sugar. The inner bark is eaten. The young leaves are eaten in salads of cooked as a vegetable and added to soups and stews. The red berries are eaten. They are ground into a paste.
Edible parts
Flowers, leaves, sap, bark, fruit
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed, or by layering or cuttings.
Trees can live for 200 years.