Caucasian Lime Tilia x euchlora

The Crimean Linden is a medium size to a large deciduous tree that is thought to be a hybrid of Tilia cordata and Tilia dasystyla. The two species are native to Ukraine Crimea, but they do not share the same habitats. The parentage of the Crimean Linden remains unclear. It is a member of the Malvaceae family. The tree grows from 40-60 feet tall and 20-30 feet wide, and it has a pyramidal shape. The tree's crown is dense, and the branches are somewhat pendulous. The tree is also known as Caucasian Linden and Causcasina Lime.

This hybrid tree originated in Ukraine Crimea. The tree is sterile, and there are no similar hybrids found in the wild. The German botanist, Karl Koch, described the tree in 1866. His description is based on a young specimen that was found in Berlin. It was thought that the tree originated from a seed collected in Crimea. Since the tree is sterile, the trees in cultivation may be the result of a single clone.

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 meaning "broad" or perhaps "broad-leaved." The species name, echlora, originated from the Greek words eu meaning "good" and chloros meaning "green."  This references the tree's foliage.  The common names for this genus are Lime or Linden. In North America, this tree is also known as Basswood. It is important to note, that this tree is not related to the citrus lime fruit tree.

The Crimean Linden prefers moist but well-drained soils of loam. They are easily grown in full sun or part shade. They are very tolerant of urban conditions. Since they grow to 60 feet high and 30 feet wide, proper placement must be considered,

The Crimean Linden is propagated by cuttings. Often the trees that are sold have been grafted. Any basal suckers of grafted trees should be removed quickly.

The bark is brown and smooth, but fissures appear with age. The leaves of the tree are heart shape, glossy dark green with serrated margins, and the fall foliage is yellow. The flowers are pale yellowish-white and from cymes that are very fragrant. The fruit is a grayish-brown hairy nutlet.

These hybrid trees may be planted singularly or in groups as an ornamental shade for the lawn or as a street tree. In the 20th century, it was a popular tree for street planting in Great Britain.

The rich sugary nectar of the flowers is attractive to bees and butterflies.

Quick ID Hints:

• Leaves upper surface glossy, dark green, and undersides paler with tufts of hair along the veins
• Leaves are cordate and 2-3.5 inches long and 2-3 inches wide
• Blossoms are white to pale yellow with 3-7 flowers creating a cluster
• Fruit small grayish-brown, hairy nutlets
• Young bark grayish-brown and smooth and older bark fissured 

Insects, Pests, and Other Problems:

There are no serious disease or insect problems. This hybrid variety appears to be more resistant to aphids that would decrease the likelihood of sooty molds. Borers, scale, leaf miners, lace bugs, caterpillars, and Japanese Beetles may be seen. Powdery mildew, leaf spots, and canker may occur. Verticillium Wilt can be fatal but occurs infrequently.