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American Linden
Tilia americana
Dense, symmetrical shade tree with fragrant summer flowers that are a favorite of honeybees.
Quick Facts
Sun:☀️ Full Sun, ⛅ Partial Shade
Water:💧💧 Moderate
USDA Zones:Zones 3–8
Space:🏡 Large Garden
Soil:Loam, Clay, Silty
Best Season(s):Spring, Fall
Experience Level:🌱 Beginner
Native Range:Eastern & Central North America
Bloom Color:Small, fragrant pale yellow clusters
Bloom Cycle:Early-to-mid summer
Care Notes
Tolerates a wide range of soils. Japanese beetles can be a nuisance on foliage in some regions.
Growing Details
Mature Size:50-70 ft tall, 35-50 ft wide
Growth Rate:🌿 Moderate
Zone Performance
At the cold edge (zone 3), American linden is fully hardy and one of the most reliable shade trees for northern prairie and Great Lakes climates. In zone 8 at the warm edge, summer heat and humidity increase pressure from Japanese beetles, which can skeletonize foliage more severely than in cooler regions.
Companions & Wildlife
🦌 Deer Resistance
occasionally damaged
Deer will browse young leaves and saplings, particularly in areas with high deer pressure, but mature trees tolerate light browsing.
🐝 Pollinator Value
high
Intensely fragrant summer flowers are one of the best honeybee nectar sources of any shade tree, also drawing native bees in large numbers.
Good Companions
Bee Balm — Nectar-rich perennial that complements linden's own honeybee-attracting summer flowers.
Foamflower — Shade-tolerant groundcover suited to the dense, symmetrical shade linden's canopy produces.
Hosta — Reliable shade perennial that fills in well beneath a mature linden's broad crown.
Solomon's Seal — Native woodland perennial adapted to the rich, moist soil linden favors.
Troubleshooting
⚠️ Japanese beetle defoliation in summer
Hand-pick beetles in early morning or use targeted treatments; avoid pheromone traps, which can attract more beetles to the area.
⚠️ Aphids producing sticky honeydew that drips on cars and patios
Encourage natural predators like ladybugs, or treat heavy infestations with insecticidal soap.
⚠️ Leaf scorch during prolonged summer drought
Water deeply during dry spells, particularly for newly planted or young trees.
✅ Pet Safety
Generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Informational only — always check with a veterinarian if you suspect your pet has eaten something it shouldn't have.
🌿 Traditional & Medicinal Use
Linden flowers have a long history of traditional use as a calming tea in European herbalism — informational only, not medical advice.
Informational only, not medical advice — consult a healthcare provider before using any plant medicinally.