Mongolian Lime Tilia mongolica

The Mongolian Linden is a medium-size ornamental deciduous broadleaf tree and a member of the Malvaceae family or Lindens. The tree is the smallest species in the Linden family, and it may reach a height of 30 feet and 25 feet wide. The tree grows slower than other Lindens, and it has a unique exfoliating bark and has slightly smaller, three to five-lobed leaves.  It is pyramidal to rounded in shape. Commercially, the Mongolian Linden may be hard to find in nurseries. Another common name is Mongolian Lime. A cultivar, known as 'Harvest Gold,' is the hybrid of the Mongolian Linden and the Littleleafed Linden. Its leaves appear to be more like the Littleleaf Linden.

The Mongolian Linden is native to North China and far eastern Russia. The wood of the tree is soft and creamy and is much preferred by woodcarvers to make piano soundboards or certain parts of a guitar. Young leaves and shoots are edible, and the flowers may be dried and used to make tea.

The genus name, tilia, is Latin for Linden or Lime Tree. It is derived from the Greek word ptelea or "Elm tree" and tillai or "Black Poplar." The translation means "broad." The species name, mongolica, refers to its origin.

The tree prefers full sun to part shade as well as alkaline, loamy, or well-drained soils. Unlike other Lindens, it is not drought or salt-spray tolerant. The tree, however, does transplant well. This species has fewer problems with the infestation of aphids. 

Propagation by seed may be challenging. Stored seeds tend to be slower to germinate. Reportedly, it is best to obtain fresh seeds and place them in a cold frame. It may take the seeds up to 18 months to germinate. Layering is best done in the spring. Suckers or young shoots may be removed with as much root as possible and replanted.

The leaves are ovate, simple, and dark green with paler undersides. The leaves are three to five-lobed, which is not typical of other Lindens. The flowers form in the summer. They are fragrant creamy yellow dangling clusters. The fruit is a grayish hairy nutlet. 

The nectar of the flowers attracts butterflies and other insects.

The Mongolian Linden is hardy to Zone 3 to 5. Recommended plant sites include residential areas, parks, and city streets. 

Quick ID Hints:

• Leaves dark green with paler undersides
• Leaves ovate, 3-5 lobed with serrated margins, and 2-3 inches in length and width
• Pale yellow blossoms, 6-12 blossoms hanging clusters
• Fruit small grayish, leathery, hairy nutlet
• Bark light gray and exfoliating

Diseases, Insects, and Other Problems:

Verticillium wilt may occur. Japanese beetles and the linden borer are insects that may be problematic. This species shows resistance to aphids.