Scientific Name
Tilia americana
Widespread through most of the north and central states, you’ll also hear the American linden referred to as basswood, especially in a forestry or lumber context. It has a relatively large, heart-shaped, jagged leaf whose two sides join unequally at the base. The shade cast by this tree is often dense under a canopy that can extend to a width of more than 50 feet. At maturity, the tree can reach 75 or more feet in height. The Colorado champion measures 100 feet tall. In midsummer, its large amount of small pale-yellow flowers emit a powerful fragrance that mesmerizes the bees that feast on their nectar. The flowers then give rise to small seeds that can dangle on the tree through the winter, usually with the tan bracts of the flower structure still attached. The twigs of this tree are slender and usually zigzag, with small and often colorful teardrop-shaped winter buds. As with a significant minority of deciduous trees, there is no terminal bud or tip of the twig.
This tree is less commonly planted nowadays in cities because the smaller dimensions of the European little leaf linden are more suited to small sites. In addition, American linden has a greater tendency to develop dried out leaves toward the end of summer in Denver’s hot and dry conditions. Linden species have historically been important for a reason not immediately apparent: the inner bark is extremely tough and fibrous such that strong cord and rope can be made from it. The flowers are also utilized in many cultures for making summertime tea. The Regis tree in the mini-quad is somewhat atypical for having five large trunks that have led it to develop a larger crown spread but a lesser height, though the space here easily accommodates it. Trees that grow large at maturity usually tend to have a single trunk (or can be encouraged in this direction by trimming when young) and are generally preferred by horticulturists, but some trees insist on taking a multi-stem path which can work well when space permits.