A Hambidge Fellow, Lynn studied English at Columbus State University. This refers to the stringy inner bark of this tree, which was used to make rope, woven baskets, mats, and fish nets. Basswood - Characteristics, Benefits and Uses. In the fall, the basswood leaves turn light yellow to dark gold or tan before falling from the tree. Some of its common associates include hard maples, red oak, bitternut hickory, black walnut, elms, hackberry, ashes, and Kentucky coffeetree. The name basswood came from a use made by native Americans of using its fibrous, tough inner bark or "bast" for making cords, thongs and ropes. Its heart-shaped leaves and fragrant flowers in June make it especially attractive for people, while songbirds and blue jays are attracted to its seeds and use the tree for shelter. The genus occurs in Europe and eastern North America, but the greatest species diversity is found in Asia. Spray thoroughly, and repeat every seven to 10 days unless the label on commercial products directs otherwise. The guy that lives next to my brother lost 7 trees, my brother lost 5 2 maple 2 basswood and an oak tree. If you're treating a fungal infection, add 2 tablespoons of baking soda to the mixture. Urban Forest Ecosystems Institute rates the "Redmond" and "Fastigiata" basswood trees' root damage potential as low and Tilia americana's potential as moderate, so basswood is a suitable streetside tree. The American basswood (Tilia americana) is the only member of the genus Tilia native to Iowa. Basswood has a very distinct fruit; it is an open cluster of hard nutlets borne on a stem which comes from the center of a narrow elliptical, life-like wing. The two-toned leaves are green on the upper surface and a lighter green underneath. Basswood's asymmetrical and lopsided heart-shaped leaf is the largest of all broadleaf trees, nearly as wide as it is long at between 5 and 8 inches. Annual fertilizing is not needed for basswood trees. Of the several species of linden trees grown in the United States, the American linden, or basswood (Tilia americana), is the only U.S. native. Tillia, a genus of over 30 species of trees from subfamily Tilioideae is a type of a tree that has originated from temperate parts of the western and northern hemisphere but has managed to achieve large diversity in the comparable territories of Asia where most of the variations of this tree can be found. Basswood bark typically divides into vertical plates. Plant Basswood trees where they will get full sun to partial shade. Basswood, also known as American Linden, is a large native North American tree that can grow more than 80 feet tall.In addition to being a majestic tree in the landscape, basswood is a soft, light wood and prized for hand carvings and making baskets. Basswood trees thrive in full sun to partial shade and can grow well in loamy, sandy or clay soils. Basswoods are highly adaptable to soil conditions. The heartwood of basswood is not resistant to decay, so that old trees in the woods are likely to be hollow, thus providing cavities and nesting locations for many species of wildlife. Copyright © 2020 Iowa State University of Science and Technology. The leaves of basswood are alternately arranged, heart-shaped with unequal bases, coarsely toothed, and 3-6 inches in length. The leaves turn light yellow to brown in the fall. It is found on rocky slopes. These hardy trees are rarely bothered by disease or insects. The neighbors trees all basswood, cut up and stacked to be hauled away and along came the city cleanup truck and ground them up . Basswood trees thrive in full sun to partial shade and can grow well in loamy, sandy or clay soils. It is one of the favorite woods for the wood carver; in addition the wood is used for frames of honeycombs, boxes for other foods and fruits, crates, barrels, venetian blinds, slats and veneer for hidden parts of cabinets and furniture. Aphids, spider mites and leaf miners, powdery mildews and leaf spots may occasionally mar the aesthetic beauty of the trees. Ames, IA 50011, Iowa State University | PoliciesState & National Extension Partners. It grows well in drained, deep, rich, fertile and moist soil and is adaptable in different soil conditions. The native range extends from Canada's Manitoba and New Brunswick southward to the Ozarks and southern Appalachians in the United States. The tree isn't picky about soil acidity and is happy in anything from highly acidic to highly alkaline soils. Tilia is a beautiful, large and long-lived tree. Proper watering is essential to prevent root rots. If you cut down a Basswood tree, the stump quickly sends up numerous young shoots, each of which can grow into a tree. This refers to the stringy inner bark of this tree, which was used to make rope, woven baskets, mats, and fish nets. American basswood is native to the Chicago area and is often used as a specimen or dense shade tree. In addition to 'Basswood,' trees in this genus are referred to as 'Linden' and 'Lime' trees. Easy-to-Care-for Ornamental Trees for Landscape. 339 Science II Basswood leaves are coarsely serrated with pointed teeth and are often heart-shaped. American Basswood Flowers - Photo by Paul Wray, Iowa State University. The foliage is green on the upper surface and a paler shade below. Eliminating insects on smaller, younger trees can be as simple as knocking insects off with a hard spray of water. Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. On older trunks, the bark breaks into long, medium ridges and furrows, dark gray to almost black in color. American basswood can grow in full sunlight. This is a common trait of this species. "Redmond" branches droop attractively but resist breaking. All rights reserved. The basswood tree (Tilia americana), also known as the American linden tree, makes a bold addition to any yard but may overwhelm smaller parcels of real estate with its broad, dense canopy and large, sturdy trunk. It grows on a wide variety of sites but does best on moist upland sites, on sheltered north and east facing slopes along river and stream drainages. Site Requirements: American basswood grow from full sun to dense shade and prefers moist well drained soils. Linden flower honey produced by bees that frequent the trees is highly prized, according to North Dakota State University Extension's website. The flowers can produce abundant pollen that not only attracts butterflies and bees but may also aggravate allergies in susceptible persons. The linden tree (also commonly known as basswood or lime tree, despite being unrelated to the fruit bearing bush of the same name) falls within the Tilia genus, a group of around 30 species of trees native to the Northern hemisphere. Basswood trees prefer moist soil although they also thrive in clay, loamy or sandy soils. The city of Rockford lost over 1000 trees in the storm. These basswood trees have better drought-tolerance than Tilia americana, which likes moist soil. They may also be used as windbreaks, shade trees or as a featured specimen in the yard. The crown is umbrella- or cone-shaped. Mature trees are difficult to treat because they are so tall. The genus is generally called Lime or Linden in Britain and Linden, Lime, or Basswood in North America but they are not closely related to the lime fruit. 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