tree

Littleleaf Linden

Tilia cordata 'Glenleven'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

600 inches

Width

420 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived deciduous tree

Native To

Europe, Western Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Tilia cordata is a large deciduous tree with a dense, pyramidal to rounded crown and heart-shaped, dark green leaves. It is prized for its fragrant, pale yellow flowers that bloom in early summer. 'Glenleven' is a fast-growing cultivar with a straighter trunk and a more open, pyramidal habit than the species, making it an excellent choice for a street or shade tree.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Valued for its stately pyramidal form, handsome heart-shaped leaves, and intensely fragrant flowers that perfume the air in early summer.

Its rapid growth and tolerance of urban conditions make it an excellent shade tree for large lawns, parks, and wide boulevards.

The flowers are a major nectar source for honeybees, producing a prized honey. The dense canopy provides shelter for birds.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a location with ample space for its mature size.
Plant in well-drained soil in full sun or light shade.
Dig a hole two to three times the width of the root ball.
Set the tree with the root flare at or slightly above grade.
Backfill with native soil and water thoroughly to settle.
Mulch to the drip line, avoiding contact with the trunk.

Pro Tip

Its rapid growth and strong central leader make it ideal for situations where a large shade tree is needed quickly.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide supplemental water during establishment and dry spells.
Prune for good structure when the tree is young.
Monitor for aphids, as they can be a significant pest.
Allow plenty of room for root and canopy development.

Don't

Don't plant where aphid honeydew will be a problem, like over patios or parking.
Avoid heavy fertilization, which can lead to weak growth.
Don't over-prune a mature tree.
Avoid soil compaction over the root zone.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Stately and fast-growing shade treeFormal avenue or street plantingClassic park specimen

Companion Plants

Heuchera villosa 'Autumn Bride' Astilbe chinensis 'Visions' Hosta 'Sum and Substance' Geranium macrorrhizum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Littleleaf Linden questions

What zones can Littleleaf Linden grow in?

Littleleaf Linden is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Littleleaf Linden deer resistant?

Yes — Littleleaf Linden is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Littleleaf Linden bloom?

Littleleaf 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 Littleleaf Linden need full sun?

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

Is Littleleaf Linden drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Littleleaf Linden handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.