Tilia americana 'Sentry'
treeN. America Native

Sentry American Linden

Tilia americana 'Sentry'

$220.95
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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

540 inches

Width

300 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long

Native To

Eastern North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Tilia americana, or American Linden, is a large, stately deciduous tree native to eastern North America. It is characterized by its large, heart-shaped leaves and fragrant, pale yellow flowers that hang from leaf-like bracts. 'Sentry' is a cultivar selected for its distinctly upright, pyramidal, and narrow form, making it much more suitable for street plantings and smaller landscapes than the wide-spreading species. It has a strong central leader.

Bloom Period:

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental Uses'Sentry' is prized for its tight, formal, pyramidal shape that fits well into urban settings. Its large, lush green leaves provide a dense canopy, and the fragrant summer flowers are a delightful bonus.
Practical UsesAn excellent shade tree for streets, parking lots, and residential yards where lateral space is limited. It is tolerant of urban pollution.
Ecological BenefitsThe flowers are a major nectar source for honeybees and native bees, producing a prized honey. The tree provides nesting sites for birds.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

In Stock$220.95

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Planting

How to Grow

  1. Choose a location in full sun with deep, moist, well-drained soil.
  2. Dig a planting hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
  3. Set the tree so its root flare is at or just above ground level.
  4. Backfill with the excavated soil, tamping gently to remove air pockets.
  5. Water deeply immediately after planting.
  6. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch, keeping it away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Prune to maintain a single central leader when young to ensure the development of its strong, desirable pyramidal form.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water regularly during the first few years to establish a deep root system.
  • Prune in late winter to remove any crossing or dead branches.
  • Tolerate the presence of aphids, as they are a minor issue.

Don't

  • Don't plant in very dry or compacted soils.
  • Avoid excessive pruning, which can spoil its natural form.
  • Don't plant where dripping honeydew from aphids will be a problem.

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Excellent narrow street or avenue treeFormal specimen for parks and large lawnsShade tree for areas with limited horizontal space

Companion Plants

Hosta Heuchera Geranium maculatum Carex pensylvanica Tiarella cordifolia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Sentry American Linden questions

What zones can Sentry American Linden grow in?

Sentry 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 Sentry American Linden deer resistant?

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

When does Sentry American Linden bloom?

Sentry 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 Sentry American Linden need full sun?

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

Keep exploring

Grow Sentry American Linden with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.

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