European Linden Tree Facts
European lindens (Tilia x europaea) are deciduous, broadleaf, perennial hybrid trees that grow widely throughout Europe and the United States. Also called European lime, common lime and common linden, these trees are a naturally occurring cross between bigleaf (Tilia platyphyllos) and littleleaf (Tilia cordata) lindens. Despite their common name, they are no relation to Citrus aurantifolia, the fruit-bearing tree that yields limes. European linden trees are often planted as shade or street trees, and are valued for their showy display of late springtime blossoms.
European linden trees are slow-growing trees that usually reach heights of 50 to 70 feet, but can occasionally grow as tall as 120 feet, sometimes taking as long as 50 years to reach their mature height. These trees have a columnar form, rough green or grayish-brown bark, and heart-shaped, deep green leaves with rough, serrated margins and pointed tips. Drooping clusters of heavily scented, pale yellow blossoms appear in late spring. Small, winged green nutlets, which change to brown as they ripen during late summer, replace the flowers. European linden's fall foliage color ranges from pale green to yellow or orange depending upon location.
European linden trees are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 3 through 7. They are generally low maintenance and can tolerate a variety of soil types, but grow best in a pH range between 6.5 and 8.5. These trees do well in either direct sunlight or partial shade, and are moderately drought-tolerant. They also perform well in urban areas, since they are highly tolerant of pollution. European lindens reproduce through cuttings or seeds.
European lindens have the honor of being Great Britain's tallest broad-leafed tree species, according to Kew Gardens. They were a fashionable addition to the gardens of upper-class estates during the 17th and 18th centuries, and many of the trees in existence were imported from the Netherlands during that time period. The name "linden" came from a German word, "linde," which means rope. The inner bark of the linden tree was once used to make mats and ropes.
Kew Gardens notes that European linden trees are attractive to aphids (Aphis species) and can be messy for this reason. Aphids are small insects with long legs, soft pear-shaped bodies, and long tubular structures called cornicles that project from their back ends. They drain sap from linden leaves, and since they devour more than they digest, they excrete a sticky-sweet liquid called honeydew on the foliage and surrounding landscape. The honeydew, in turn, acts as a growing medium for an unsightly black fungus called sooty mold. Other pests include Japanese beetles, (Popilia japonica) scale insects, (Homoptera spp.) and spider mites (Tetranychidae spp.).
Several fungal infections can decrease the European linden's aesthetic value or even cause tree death. Powdery mildew, which is caused by Uncinula necator and various other hosts, creates a white powdery fungus on the leaves. The Verticillium albo-atrum and Verticillium dahliae fungi cause a disease called verticillium wilt. The pathogen attacks trees through the roots and can cause death. Multiple pathogens cause canker infections. Sunken, diseased areas of bark form on the twigs, branches and trunks of infected trees. Leaf spot infections, which are caused by a variety of hosts, can create unsightly, discolored spots on the foliage, but rarely cause serious health problems.
- Missouri Botanical Garden: Tilia x Europaea
- Kew Gardens: European Lime - Tilia x Europaea
- University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program: Aphids
- Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet: Sooty Mold on Trees and Shrubs
- University of Rhode Island Landscape Horticulture Program: Powdery Mildew
- University of Minnesota Extension: Verticillium Wilt of Trees and Shrubs
- Iowa State University Extension: Fungal Cankers of Trees
- University of Illinois Extension: Fungal Leaf Spot Diseases of Shade and Ornamental Trees in the Midwest