Tilia americana var. heterophylla

The White Basswood is a large-sized native deciduous tree. The tree has an ovate rounded crown and is used as a dense shade tree. It is a member of the Malvaceae or Linden family. The tree was once considered to be a separate species, but it is currently considered to be a variety of the American Linden. The White Basswood is very similar to the American Linden, except for the dense hairs on the undersides of its leaves, making them appear white. The mature size of the White Basswood is 50 to 120 feet in height. It typically is found growing in ravines, rich hardwood forests, or along streams and rivers. 

Other common names for the tree are Beetree Linden, Linden Tree, and Mountain Basswood. The cultivar of this species, 'Continental Appeal,' has a narrow oval form and is up to 50 feet in height and 30 feet wide. 

The native range of the White Basswood includes portions of southern Pennsylvania to Maryland then running along the Ohio River to Missouri to Mississippi and North Carolina.

The genus name, tilia, is Latin for Linden or Lime Tree. It is derived from the Greek work ptelea meaning 'Elm tree' or tillai meaning 'Black Popular.' The translation means "broad" as in "broad-leaved." The species name, heterophylla, is derived from two Latin words. Hetero means "different," and phylum means "leaves", referring to their unique leaves. The common name, Basswood, is derived from "bastwood," referring to its inner bark that is known as bast.

The tree performs best in full sun to partial shade, loamy, moist, and well-drained soils. The White Basswood is intolerant to urban conditions and air pollution. It is drought tolerant once established.

Stump sprouts are common with this species and can be transplanted. The tree can also be propagated by seeds.

The leaves measure up to 6-inches long and wide with a dark green upper surface and silvery-white undersides. The fall color is pale green to pale yellow. The flowers are fragrant and creamy-colored blossoms that form into clusters. There are 10-25 flowers per cluster. The fruit is a small rounded woody nutlet.

Bees enjoy the nectar of the flowers. Deer enjoy browsing the leaves. Cavity nesting birds, such as wood ducks and woodpeckers, and some small mammals, find shelter in the softwood. Rabbits feed on the seedlings and small saplings, while mice, squirrels, and chipmunks prefer to eat the seeds.

The White Basswood has beautiful, unique foliage and showy, fragrant flowers. The tree would be best used as a shade tree or specimen tree in a residential area or park.

Quick ID Hints:

• Leaves dark green upper surface and white hairy undersides 
• Leaves up to 6 inches long and wide, ovate with uneven cordate bases
• Creamy-colored clusters with 10-25 flowers per cluster
• Winter twigs and buds are sometimes red-tinged
• Young bark smooth and light gray white older bark is gray, furrowed, and rough

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: 

There are no serious insect or disease issues. Japanese Beetles, borers, beetles, lace bugs, aphids, caterpillars, and scales may be seen. In hot and dry weather, spider mites can occur.  Verticillium wilt occurs infrequently but can be fatal. Powdery mildew, leaf spots, and cankers may occur. 

More information on Tilia americana.