Tilia

Tilia, commonly known as linden or lime tree, is a genus of deciduous trees in the family Malvaceae. It comprises about 30 to 40 species native to temperate regions of Europe, western Asia, and eastern North America, though many are widely planted beyond their native range. The two best known European species are Tilia cordata (littleleaf linden) and Tilia platyphyllos (large-leaved linden), with Tilia × europaea representing a common hybrid between the two. Tilia americana, the American basswood, is native to eastern North America.

Tilia trees are typically medium to large, with broad, rounded crowns. Leaves are heart-shaped with serrated margins. In late spring to early summer, clusters of small pale yellow to white flowers appear, each cluster accompanied by a conspicuous leafy bract. The flowers are fragrant and highly attractive to bees. The fruit is a small nutlet with a persistent bract, aiding wind dispersal.

The wood is light and soft, valued for carving, cabinetry, and general workability. Linden flowers and leaves have traditional uses in herbal teas and infusions, and the trees serve as important nectar sources for honeybees, yielding distinctive linden honey.

In cultivation, Tilia species are widely planted as ornamental shade trees in parks, streets, and gardens due to their tolerance of urban conditions and pleasant scent. They occur naturally across temperate regions and have been introduced in many other temperate zones worldwide.