Common lime, Common linden, Lime tree
Tilia x europaea

Family: Malvaceae

What it is like

A tall tree. It can be 40 m high. The young bark is smooth and grey and the old bark is cracked. The leaves are broad. They are 5-10 cm long and across. The base of the leaves is almost straight across. Underneath the leaf there are white hairs at the junctions of the veins. The flowers are small and creamy-white or yellow. They are 2 cm across. They are carried in clusters from a long bract. The fruit are rounded and hairy with faint ribs. It is 1.2 cm long.

These have also been in the Tiliaceae.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It is native to Europe. It suits hardiness zones 5-9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Belgium, Britain, Eurasia, Europe, France, North America, Russia, Spain, Turkey, Türkiye, USA

How it is used for food

The leaves are eaten raw in salads and sandwiches. The flowers have a honey like fragrance and are used for tea. They are also used as a vegetable. They are brewed into wine. The plant produces an edible manna.

It is cultivated.

Edible parts

Flowers, leaves, manna, sap, flowers - tea

How it is grown

It can stand heavy pruning.

Trees can live for 500 years.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Tilia cordata x Tilia platyphyllos;