PlantsTrees
American Basswood
Tilia americana
Chicago-region native. Suited to zone 6a.
Large pollinator-supporting shade tree
ModerateTrees
- Light
- Full sun–part shade
- Moisture
- Medium
- Mature size
- 50–80+ ft
- Spacing
- 35–60 ft
- Bloom or harvest
- Fragrant flowers Jun
- How it spreads
- Large tree
- What to buy
- Container or balled-and-burlapped; bare-root in early spring.
- When to plant
- Early Apr–May after soil thaws and drains; Sep–mid Oct for container/B&B. Bare-root: early spring.
In the design
Confirm overhead and underground clearance before planting; keep large trees north or west of food beds to reduce shade.
