Large leaved lime, Red twigged lime, Broad-leaved linden
Tilia platyphyllos
Family: Malvaceae
What it is like
A deciduous tree. It grows 25-30 m tall and spreads 15-22 m wide. The trunk is slender. The crown is narrow. The small branches droop. The branches often have reddish-brown hairs. The leaves are heart-shaped. They are downy and pale green underneath. The leaves are 10 cm long by 8.5 cm wide. They are green on both surfaces but slightly velvety underneath. The flowers are yellow-green. The flowers hang in clusters of 3 or 4 from long bracts. The flowers have a sweet perfume and are rich in nectar. The fruit are large and grey. They have a thick wall with 5 prominent ribs.
These have also been in the Tiliaceae.
Where it is found
It grows in temperate places. They need soils which retain moisture. It is native to S.W. Asia and S.E. Europe. It grows in mixed deciduous and evergreen woods. It suits hardiness zones 5-9. Arboretum Tasmania. Hobart Botanical Gardens.
Countries/locations it is found in
Andorra, Australia, Balkans, Bosnia, Britain, Europe (country/location of origin), Greece, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Mediterranean, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Tasmania, Turkey, Türkiye, Ukraine
How it is used for food
The young leaves are eaten. The leaves are used for sarma in Turkey. They are rolled around a filling of rice or minced meat. The flowers are used to make a drink.
Edible parts
Leaves, sap, flowers - tea
How it is grown
The seeds need to be planted fresh or they develop dormancy which makes them hard to germinate. They can also be grown from cuttings.
Trees live for a long time.
Its other names
Local names
Krupnolisna lipa, Tell, Til-ler, Tilo, Yaz ihlamuru