Academics

American basswood

Tilia americana | Family: Tiliaceae

submission: Chrissy McIntire

Identification:

Leaves—

broad, wide, perfect forest green color, heart-shaped.

Twigs—

long thin dull brown.

Flowers—

they are bright, fragrant, and attract insects.

Fruit—

little round light brown furry.

Bark—

hard wrinkled brown with green moss.

Hover over one of the descriptions to see an example.

Natural History:

Lifespan—

a few hundred years.

General description—

They tend to have fast growth and longevity and their leaves are known for their distinct heart shape and they are even similar to red mulberry leaves.

Natural distribution and habitat—

Eastern and Mid-Western North America.

Conservation status—

This tree attracts insects that prey on pest insects.

Uses—

Ornamental tree, shade tree, carving, honey for bees, wildlife feeds on it.

References:

“American Basswood.” School of Forest Resources Conservation RSS2, University of Florida, 30 July 2015, www.sfrc.ufl.edu/extension/4h/trees/American_basswood/index.html
“Tilia Americana.” https://www.wildflower.org/, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=TIAM
“American Basswood.” Plants.usda.gov, United States Department of Agriculture, https://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/cs_tiama.pdf