Lindens, Basswoods, Lime Trees, so many names, so much lore… This genus (Tilia) contains some of my absolute favorite trees. Stately, strong, sweet, just begins to describe the many attributes this tree embodies.
In the spotlight today is the showiest of the Lindens. Tilia tomentosa or Silver Linden. This variety is noted for the flashy silvery undersides of its leaves. Its impossible not to be mesmerized by the shimmering effect of this tree when its caught in the breeze.
The silver on the underside of the Linden leaves is in fact very soft fine hairs. Next time you meet a Silver Linden, check out its soft leaves!
When fall comes, the show is not over. Lindens all wrap themselves in a gold fall cloak and fairly glow until winter comes and the go dormant.
The flowers on all Lindens are incredibly fragrant. Surpassing crabapples, cherries, and even lilacs in its loveliness. Both I and the honeybees adore the smell of these flowers.
Lindens start life with a very uniform pyramidal shape, but as they mature their form relaxes into a stately openness.
The one had leaves of dark green that beneath were as shining silver, and from each of his countless flowers a dew of silver light was ever falling, and the earth beneath was dappled with the shadows of his fluttering leaves.
J.R.R. Tolkien – The Silmarillion
Placement of this tree is ever important. It needs space to grow into its full glory. (50-70′ tall x 30-50′ wide)
This tree is a perfect choice for a favored backyard shade tree, a centerpiece in a park, or really wherever the space exists to let this marvel grow and thrive.
They can be susceptible to sunscald during the late winter and early spring. Particularly up in Summit and Wasatch Counties. Protecting the trunk during those times can be accomplished with tree wrap. Which need only stay on between December through May generally.