tree

Common Linden

Tilia europaea

The Story

Plant Bio

Tilia × europaea, commonly known as the common linden, is a large deciduous tree that develops a dense, symmetrical, upright-oval crown at maturity. The species has a strong tendency to produce epicormic sprouts and root suckers around the base of the trunk.

It is distinguished by its broadly cordate, sharply serrate leaves that emerge bright light green before maturing to dark green with pale, tufted undersides. In summer, it produces drooping clusters of pale yellow flowers attached to distinctive, leaf-like green bracts.

Uses & Benefits:

Features a dense, symmetrical, upright-oval canopy with bright green spring foliage and fragrant summer flowers.

Serves as an excellent large shade tree for parks, wide streets, and expansive lawns.

Provides a rich source of nectar for honeybees and native generalist pollinators during the summer bloom.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

1575"

Width

984"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Long

Native To

Europe

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Summer

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with deep, fertile, well-drained loam.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the root flare sits level with or slightly above the surrounding soil.
Backfill with native soil, water deeply to settle the roots, and apply a thick layer of organic mulch to retain moisture.
Water regularly during the first two growing seasons to establish a deep, drought-tolerant root system.

Pro Tip

Regularly clear the epicormic shoots and root suckers from the base of the trunk to maintain a clean specimen form and prevent dense, brushy growth around the root flare.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune lightly in late winter or early spring to shape the canopy and remove dead or crossing branches.
Apply a balanced organic mulch annually to maintain soil fertility and preserve root moisture.
Monitor the canopy regularly for aphids and Japanese beetles, especially during warm summer months.

Don't

Do not make severe, random cuts into old, leafless wood, as regrowth from old wood is slow and patchy.
Avoid planting in poorly drained, waterlogged soils where root rot can develop.
Do not park vehicles or place outdoor furniture directly beneath the canopy, as aphid honeydew will coat surfaces below.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shade TreeSpecimen TreeAvenue PlantingHistoric Gardens

Companion Plants

Polystichum acrostichoides Hosta Galanthus nivalis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Common Linden questions

What zones can Common Linden grow in?

Common 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 Common Linden deer resistant?

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

When does Common Linden bloom?

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

Does Common Linden need full sun?

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

Is Common Linden drought tolerant?

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