Silver lime, Silver Linden
Tilia tomentosa

Family: Malvaceae

What it is like

A large deciduous tree. It grows 24 m high. The crown and tree is compact and rounded. The leaves are alternate. The edges of the leaves have sharp teeth and the base of the leaf is lop sided. The leaves are 5-12 cm long. The leaves are shiny and dark green above but white or silvery and hairy underneath. The flowers are yellow. They are on light green, leaf-like bracts. The fruit are warty, hairy and slightly 5 angled.

These have also been in the Tiliaceae.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It can grow in most soils. It needs an open, sunny position. It is hardy and can withstand drought and frost. It suits hardiness zones 6-9. Hobart Botanical Gardens.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Balkans, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Europe, Greece, Mediterranean, North America, Tasmania, Turkey, Türkiye, USA

How it is used for food

The leaves are boiled then eaten with oil and salt. The leaves are used for sarma in Turkey. They are rolled around a filling of rice or minced meat. The dried leaves are sometimes used as a substitute for marjoram.

Edible parts

Leaves, flowers - tea

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seed or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Gumusi thlamur, Ihlamur

Synonyms

Tilia argentea (Bayer) DC.;