Plant Encyclopedia

Other Names:  Basswood, American Linden

Description:

A stunning shade tree with a broad pyramidal form, clean habit and fragrant cream flowers in early summer, will eventually grow quite large; very adaptable and low maintenance, an excellent shade or street tree

Ornamental Features

Continental Appeal Linden is primarily valued in the landscape for its distinctively pyramidal habit of growth. It features subtle clusters of fragrant creamy white flowers with tan bracts hanging below the branches in early summer. It has dark green foliage with silver undersides. The serrated heart-shaped leaves turn an outstanding yellow in the fall.

Landscape Attributes

Continental Appeal Linden is a dense deciduous tree with a strong central leader and a distinctive and refined pyramidal form. Its relatively coarse texture can be used to stand it apart from other landscape plants with finer foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance tree, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It is a good choice for attracting bees to your yard. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Insects

Continental Appeal Linden is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Shade
• Vertical Accent

Planting & Growing

Continental Appeal Linden will grow to be about 60 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 30 feet. It has a high canopy with a typical clearance of 5 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 70 years or more.

This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and should do just fine under average home landscape conditions. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selection of a native North American species.