Tilia americana, commonly known as American Basswood, is a deciduous tree native to a variety of habitats including rich woods, floodplains, and limestone outcrops in the Eastern, Southeastern, and Midwestern U.S., Gulf States, and extending into Central Mexico. This species is a medium-sized to large tree that typically reaches a height of 60 to 120 feet (18 to 37 meters) with a trunk diameter of 3 to 5 feet (1 to 1.5 meters) at maturity. The American Basswood exhibits a rapid growth rate, outpacing many North American hardwoods, and can live up to 200 years. Flowering and seeding usually occur from 15 to 100 years of age, with some trees beginning to produce seeds as early as eight years.

American Basswood is valued for its dense canopy of heart-shaped leaves and fragrant, pale yellow flowers that bloom in early summer, attracting pollinators. The tree is often used for urban planting, shade trees, and honey production due to its nectar-rich flowers. It has a preference for rich, moist soils with good drainage and thrives in full sun to part shade. While it is adaptable to urban conditions, it is susceptible to pests such as Japanese beetles and can suffer from heart rot. Despite these issues, its ease of propagation through cuttings, grafting, or seeds makes it a popular choice for cultivation.CC BY-SA 4.0