Tilia

Tilia is a genus of about 30 species of trees or bushes, native throughout most of the temperate Northern Hemisphere. The tree is known as lime in Britain and linden for its European relatives. In Britain and Ireland they are commonly called lime trees, although they are not closely related to the tree that produces the lime fruit. Other names include linden for the European species, and basswood for North American species.

Description

The Tilia species are generally large deciduous trees, reaching typically 20 to 40 metres (66 to 130 ft) tall, with oblique-cordate leaves 6 to 20 centimetres (2 to 8 in) across. The exact number of species is subject to considerable uncertainty, as many or most of the species will hybridise readily, both in the wild and in cultivation.

Uses

Tilia trees are widely used for their wood, for constructing furniture, and for carving. The tree's flowers are also used for herbal teas and tinctures; this kind of use is particularly popular in Europe and Asia.

Species

There are about 30 species of Tilia, including:

• Tilia americana (American Linden)
• Tilia cordata (Small-leaved Lime)
• Tilia platyphyllos (Large-leaved Lime)
• Tilia tomentosa (Silver Lime)

See also

• List of Tilia species
• Lime (fruit)
• Linden tea

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