What they do
Provide shade and a short, fragrant bloom period that can attract many pollinators.
Plant profile
Basswoods & lindens
Genus Tilia
Basswoods and lindens (genus Tilia) are shade-giving trees known for their sweet-smelling summer flowers that can be a busy stop for many pollinators.
Plant Type
Trees > Basswoods & lindens
Aliases
Basswood, linden
Native Range
Varies by species within the genus Tilia; commonly planted in cities and gardens.
Bloom window
Summer
OVERVIEW
About This Plant
Basswoods and lindens (Genus Tilia) are foundational canopy trees known for providing substantial shade and structure. Their greatest value to local wildlife is the short, intense bloom window in summer when the sweet-smelling flowers offer a significant source of nectar and pollen for a wide range of emerging insects, including many native bees.
If you plant a Tilia, the key to success is choosing a location that allows for its eventual large size—it is a big-picture tree built for long-term canopy contribution in yards, parks, or school grounds. To maximize pollinator benefit, keep the area pesticide-free, especially when the tree is flowering. To ensure year-round resources, supplement the brief summer bloom by planting early- and late-season flowers beneath the canopy.
Best role for pollinators
People who want a long-lived shade tree that also offers a seasonal burst of pollinator-friendly flowers.
FAST FACTS
Quick Details
Essential stats and requirements for quick reference.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Basswood, linden |
| Bloom window | Summer |
| Typical height | Medium to tall tree |
| Pollinators supported | Bees, Butterflies, Flies |
| Light & moisture | Sun to part shade; average moisture once established. |
| Best roles for pollinators | People who want a long-lived shade tree that also offers a seasonal burst of pollinator-friendly flowers. |
SUMMARY
If You Remember Three Things
A quick scan of what they do, what they need, and the best first step.
What they need
Room to grow, steady watering while establishing, and a pesticide-free approach—especially during bloom.
One best action
Choose a planting spot with plenty of space for the mature canopy and keep the area pesticide-free.
IMPACT
Why Plant This?
Basswoods and lindens (Tilia spp.) combine people-friendly shade with a summer bloom that can draw a wide mix of pollinators. As a long-lived tree, it’s a “plant once, benefit for years” choice—especially when managed without pesticides.
Linden flowers are famously fragrant—many people notice the scent before they spot the blooms.
Key Impacts
What it Supports
- A single flowering tree can offer a lot of blossoms at once, making it an easy-to-find stop for pollinators.
- Trees add structure to habitat: shade, shelter, and a calmer micro-space beneath the canopy.
- Planting a tree is a long-term step that can benefit people and wildlife for years.
RECOGNITION
Identification Guide
Use these quick clues to recognize basswoods and lindens in bloom and leaf.
Leaves
Broad leaves that often appear heart-shaped; dense foliage creates deep shade as the tree matures.
Flowers
Small, pale, fragrant flowers in hanging clusters; the tree can be noticeably scented during bloom.
Fruits
After flowering, small nut-like fruits may form and persist for a while.
LOCATION
Where It Grows
Native environments and the best spots to place it in your landscape.
Habitats
- Urban yards and streetscapes
- Parks and school grounds
- Larger gardens
Where it is often used
- Shade tree for yards and school grounds
- Pollinator-friendly feature tree
- Street or park tree where space allows
SEASONALITY
When It Blooms
Notes on bloom windows and how this plant helps pollinators across the seasons.
Bloom window
Basswoods and lindens typically bloom in summer, and the flowering window can feel brief but busy.
Bloom Season Role: A mid-season “nectar moment” when the tree is in flower.
Seasonal benefits
- Adds a noticeable burst of flowers when many gardens are in full growth
- Can complement nearby perennials and shrubs by increasing overall floral resources
REQUIREMENTS
What It Needs
The right mix of sun, soil, and space for healthy growth.
Sun exposure
Full sun to part shade. More sun often means stronger flowering, but part shade can still work.
Soil type
Adaptable garden soil is usually fine. Aim for soil that drains reasonably well and isn’t constantly soggy.
Moisture needs
Water regularly during the first year. After that, water during long dry stretches, especially for young trees.
Planting method
Plant where the mature canopy won’t crowd buildings, power lines, or narrow sidewalks. Keep the root flare at soil level and avoid burying the trunk.
Mulching tips
Mulch in a wide ring under the tree (not touching the trunk) to protect roots and hold moisture.
GARDENING GUIDE
How to Grow It
Simple steps to plant, prune, and maintain healthy trees without pesticides.
Planting tips
- Pick a spot with plenty of overhead and side-to-side space for a mature tree.
- Dig a hole wider than the root ball and only as deep as the root ball.
- Set the tree so the base of the trunk is not buried; backfill gently and water well.
- Add a mulch ring to reduce weeds and help the soil stay evenly moist (keep mulch off the trunk).
- Water consistently through the first growing season, especially during dry spells.
Seasonal care
- Water during establishment and during extended dry periods for young trees.
- Refresh mulch yearly, keeping it away from the trunk.
- Prune lightly as needed to remove dead or rubbing branches; avoid heavy pruning during peak growth.
- Avoid pesticides, especially when the tree is blooming and pollinators are visiting.
What not to do
- Planting too close to a building, fence, or narrow sidewalk
- Skipping watering after planting because the tree “looks fine”
- Using pesticides to manage insects on a flowering tree
- Piling mulch against the trunk
Pairings
Best Pairings for Season-Long Bloom
Pairing ideas to keep pollinators fed throughout the growing season.
Early Bloom
- Early-blooming native wildflowers
- Spring-flowering shrubs
Mid-Season Bloom
- Summer-blooming perennials
- Flowering shrubs
Late-Season Bloom
- Late-summer and fall-blooming flowers
- Seed- and berry-producing shrubs
Because Tilia trees can become large, they’re best treated as a long-term planting: plan for shade, roots, and future maintenance before you plant.
GLOSSARY
Key Terms
A few quick terms you might see when shopping for or caring for trees:
Glossary terms are being added.
What You Can Do
Make a difference for native habitats.
Turn this knowledge into action. Whether you plant a single pot or a whole garden, you are building a vital bridge for local biodiversity.
Join the movement to restore our shared habitats.