Big-leaved linden | The Morton Arboretum

Family (English) Linden
Family (botanic) Tiliaceae
Planting site City parkway, Residential and parks, Wide median
Tree or plant type Tree
Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
Native locale Non-native
Size range Large tree (more than 40 feet)
Mature height 60-80 feet
Mature width 50-60 feet
Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
Hardiness zones Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8
Soil preference Alkaline soil, Moist, well-drained soil
Tolerances Alkaline soil, Road salt
Season of interest early summer
Flower color and fragrance Fragrant, Yellow
Shape or form Pyramidal, Round
Growth rate Moderate
Transplants well Yes
Planting considerations May be difficult to find in nurseries
Wildlife Insect pollinators
Has cultivars Yes

Native geographic location and habitat:

This tree is native to Europe and Asia.

Bark color and texture:

The bark of young trees is a smooth gray, becoming ridged and furrowed with age.

Leaf or needle arrangement, size, shape, and texture:

Simple, alternate leaves are heart-shaped with sharply serrated margins. The leaf size can vary from 2 to 5 inches. In the summer, leaves are dark green with varying amounts of hairiness (pubescence). The fall color is pale yellow.

Flower arrangement, shape, and size:

Creamy yellow flowers hang in clusters of 3 to 6 in early summer. Each cluster is accompanied by a long, strap-shaped bract. The flowers are very fragrant.