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Small Leaved Lime (Tilia cordata )

Linden (family - Tiliaceae)

Description: Large deciduous tree believed at one time to have been dominant tree in English forests. Height 38 m. Age 500 years

Where found: Woods and cliffs except limestone. Sometimes forms pure stands but usually with Ash, Hawthorn, Field Maple, Birch, Oak, Wild Cherry and Wych Elm. Moderately tolerant of shade. Coppices strongly. Natural Distribution in England and Wales, and Southern Scotland not Ireland. Also most of Western Europe except Southern Spain, Italy and Greece.

Phenology:

Flowers Leaves Fruit Ripen Fall
July April/May Sept    

Similar species: Common Lime is a hybrid of Tilia cordata and T. platyphyllos

Uses past & present: Relatively soft white or yellow wood, valuable timber. Does not change dimensions or warp once seasoned. Uses of wood - Good for carving and making small articles and model making. Bark has strong fibre (bast) and once used for ropes. Food and drink - Sugar can be made from sap and beekeepers regard as a good source of nectar. On continent flowers dried to make tea.

Propagation and Growth: Grown from seed. Deeply dormant treat as Acer campestre except start treatment 10 months before planting. Approximately 20,000 seeds per kg but germination variable. Also grown from cuttings.

 


image of Common Lime leaves and flowers in July

Common Lime leaves and flowers in July