Species

Tilia americanaAmerican Linden

2 other cultivars

treeN. America Native

Boulevard American Linden

Tilia americana 'Boulevard'

The Story

Plant Bio

American linden, or basswood, is a large native deciduous tree with a dense canopy of heart-shaped leaves and highly fragrant summer flowers.

'Boulevard' is a cultivar chosen for its narrow, pyramidal form and ascending branches, making it well-suited for avenues and areas where a broad canopy is not desired.

Uses & Benefits:

A handsome and stately tree, 'Boulevard' offers a formal, pyramidal shape that is neater than the species. Its large, heart-shaped leaves create dense shade, and the fragrant, creamy-yellow flowers in early summer are a delightful sensory feature.

Its narrow habit makes it an excellent choice for lining streets, boulevards, and driveways where a large, spreading canopy is not feasible. It serves well as a tall screen or windbreak when planted in a row.

The flowers are a vital nectar source for honeybees, producing a prized, flavorful honey. The tree is a host plant for the larvae of several moth species and provides shelter and nesting sites for birds.

SpeciesTilia americanaAmerican Linden

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

720 inches

Width

360 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Long-lived deciduous tree

Native To

Eastern North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Early summer – Mid-summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site with full sun and moist, well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the root flare is at or above soil level.
Backfill with native soil, watering halfway to settle.
Finish backfilling and create a small water-retaining berm.
Water thoroughly and apply a 3-inch layer of mulch.

Pro Tip

Water deeply and regularly during the first few years to establish a strong root system for this large, fast-growing tree.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent moisture, especially when young.
Mulch to conserve soil moisture and regulate temperature.
Prune young trees to develop a strong central leader.
Allow ample space for its mature size.

Don't

Do not plant in very dry or sandy soils.
Avoid wounding the thin bark with mowers or trimmers.
Don't ignore aphid infestations, which can lead to sooty mold.
Avoid planting where Japanese beetle populations are very high.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Stately and uniform street treeFormal accent for large propertiesTall screen or windbreak

Companion Plants

Hosta Heuchera Athyrium Astilbe Geranium maculatum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Boulevard American Linden questions

What zones can Boulevard American Linden grow in?

Boulevard American Linden is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Boulevard American Linden deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Boulevard American Linden, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Boulevard American Linden bloom?

Boulevard American Linden typically blooms in early summer through mid-summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Boulevard American Linden need full sun?

Boulevard American Linden does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.