Content Detail

Mongolian linden is smaller and slower growing than other species of lindens and has an unusual exfoliating (peeling) bark. Fall color is a moderate yellow.

  • 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 Small tree (15-25 feet), Medium tree (25-40 feet)
  • Mature height 20-30 feet
  • Mature width 15-25 feet
  • Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
  • Hardiness zones Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois)
  • Soil preference Acid soil, Moist, well-drained soil
  • Drought tolerance Sensitive
  • Other tolerances Alkaline soil
  • Season of interest early summer, midsummer, late summer, early fall, mid fall
  • Flower color and fragrance Fragrant, Yellow
  • Shape or form Pyramidal, Round
  • Growth rate Slow
  • Transplants well Yes
  • Planting considerations May be difficult to find in nurseries
  • Wildlife Insect pollinators
  • Has cultivars Yes

More Information

Native Geographic Location and Habitat

Mongolian linden is native to China.

Bark Description

This tree has exfoliating bark.

Leaf Description

Simple, alternate leaves are atypically shaped for linden trees. Leaves have three to five lobes with sharply serrated margins. Leaf size can vary from 2 to 3 inches. In summer, leaves are dark green, changing to a mild yellow in fall.

Flower Description

Creamy yellow flowers that hang in clusters bloom in early summer and are very fragrant. Each cluster is accompanied by a long, strap-shaped bract.

Fruit Description

Fruits are small gray nutlets, accompanied by a long strap-like bract.

Care Knowledge

Plant Care

Mongolian linden grows best in moist, well-drained soils. It prefers acid soil, but can tolerate alkaline soil.

Pests, Diseases, and Tolerances

Japanese beetles and linden borer are possible insect problems. Verticillium wilt is a possible fungal problem. It shows resistance to aphids.

Cultivars

Harvest Gold Linden (Tilia ‘Harvest Gold): 

This is a hybrid between Tilia mongolica and Tilia cordata. Its leaves look more like little-leaf linden than mongolian linden. It has an upright habit reaching 40 feet high by 30 feet wide. It has good yellow fall color.

Donate

Your support is vital to the Arboretum, where the power of trees makes a positive impact on people’s lives.

Make a gift