Silver Linden

(Tilia tomentosa)

Silver Linden (Tilia tomentosa)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Tilia tomentosa, commonly known as Silver Linden, is a deciduous tree native to Southeast Europe and Southwestern Asia, specifically found in broadleaf forests, often on limestone soils. It reaches a height of 20–35 m (66–115 ft) and has a trunk up to 2 m (7 ft) in diameter. The leaves are notably fuzzy, giving the tree its silver appearance. The pale yellow, hermaphroditic flowers bloom in cymes of three to ten in mid to late summer, accompanied by a pale green leafy bract. They emit a strong, pleasant fragrance and are attractive to honeybees. The fruit is a downy, slightly ribbed drupe 8–10 mm long.

Silver Linden is valued for its fragrant flowers and tolerance to urban stressors, making it an excellent choice for street trees in city landscapes. It also provides significant ecological benefits, supporting pollinators like bees. The tree’s ability to withstand urban pollution, soil compaction, heat, and drought is notable. It requires full sun to part shade and can adapt to a range of soil drainage conditions, from slow to fast. However, it may drop buds and pollen in spring and fall, which can be a nuisance. Care should be taken to avoid planting near areas where this could be problematic, such as outdoor seating or pools.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree
  • Height: 50-70 feet
  • Width: 30-50 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Cream, White
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Low, Medium
  • Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Hedges, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

native to Southeast Europe and Southwestern Asia, specifically found in broadleaf forests, often on limestone soils

Other Names

Common Names: Hungarian Silver Linden, Silver Lime, White Linden, Silberlinde, Tilleul Argenté, Tilleul De Hongrie, Zilverlinde, Silverlind, Silber-Linde

Scientific Names: , Tilia tomentosa, Tilia argentea, Tilia alba, Tilia orbicularis, Tilia peduncularis, Tilia rotundifolia, Lindnera alba, Tilia argentea f. subglobularis, Tilia gigantea

GBIF Accepted Name: Tilia tomentosa Moench