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Tilia cordata is a species of tree in the family Malvaceae. The tree is native to Europe and Asia, and has been introduced to North America and Australia. The tree grows to a height of 20–30 m (66–98 ft), with a trunk diameter of 1–1.5 m (3.3–4.9 ft). The bark is grey-brown, and the leaves are dark green, with a toothed margin. The flowers are small and yellow, and are borne in clusters. The fruit is a small, brown capsule.

Also called

• Small-leaved Linden
  
• Littleleaf Linden
  
• Little-leaved Lime
  
• Small-leaved Lime
  
• Basswood

Things to Know

• Tilia cordata is a deciduous tree in the family Malvaceae.
  
• It is native to Europe, where it is found from France to Ukraine.
  
• The species name cordata comes from the Latin for "heart-shaped", referring to the shape of the leaves.
  
• Tilia cordata is a medium-sized tree, typically growing to 20-30 metres tall.
  
• The leaves are Alternate, simple, cordate-shaped, and 6-12 cm long.
  
• The flowers are small, yellow-green, and borne in clusters.
  
• The fruit is a small, brown, woody capsule.
  
• Tilia cordata is commonly known as small-leaved lime, or little-leaf linden.
  
• It is an important food plant for the larvae of several moth species.
  
• Tilia cordata is widely planted as an ornamental tree.

How to Grow

1. For tilia cordata, first step is to start with bare-root stock or seedlings.
   
2. Transplant to a location that receives full sun and has well-drained soil.
   
3. Amend the soil with organic matter before planting.
   
4. Space plants 15-20 feet apart.
   
5. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system.
   
6. Fertilize annually with a balanced fertilizer.
   
7. Prune to shape as needed.
   
8. The trees are generally pest and disease free.
   
9. Harvest leaves in the summer after they have reached full size.
   
10. Enjoy your beautiful, shady tilia cordata!

Related plant:
Tilia Tomentosa

Soil Requirement

About soil condition,Tilia cordata grows best on moist, deep, rich soils, deep, rich alluvial soils and well-drained, deep, rich loamy soils. It is not very tolerant of drought and should be watered during prolonged dry periods. It is also not tolerant of very wet or poorly drained soils.

About light

Like the other trees, the little-leaf linden requires full sun to partial sun in order to grow properly. Direct sunlight is best for this species, as it helps the tree to produce more leaves and flowers. However, too much sun can cause the leaves to scorch, so some afternoon shade is often necessary, especially in hot climates. The little-leaf linden is also quite tolerant of urban pollution, making it a good choice for planting in cities.

The Temperature

The temperature condition of the Tilia cordata is cool and moist. The leaves are oblong and the flowers are small and white. The tree grows to a height of 30-40 feet and has a spread of 20-30 feet. It prefers full sun to partial shade and is tolerant of a wide range of soil types. It is native to Europe and Asia and is widely cultivated in the US.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%. Tilia cordata can tolerate a range of 40-60%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will become dry and will start to drop off. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to turn yellow and drop off.

Fertilizer Requirement

Regarding fertilizer, this kind of plant requires more nitrogen and less phosphate and potassium during its growth period in spring. In autumn, however, it is the reverse: more phosphate and potassium and less nitrogen are needed. The ideal situation is a constant supply of all three macronutrients. When it comes to the roots, they are relatively deep and require moist but well-drained soils.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important part of keeping your little-leaf linden (Tilia cordata) healthy and vibrant. If you wait until the spring, you risk cutting off new growth. The best time to prune your linden is late fall or early winter, when the tree is dormant. This will give the tree time to heal before new growth begins in the spring.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of tilia cordata is best achieved through softwood cuttings taken from new growth in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be approximately 4-6 inches in length and should be taken from the tips of the branches. The cuttings should be placed in a well-drained potting mix and kept moist until roots have developed. Once roots have developed, the plants can be transplanted into their permanent location.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate during the vegetative season. Trees typically grow well in full sun. The average lifespan of a tilia cordata is 120 years. The growth rate of tilia cordata during the vegetative season is quite fast, with trees typically growing well in full sun. The average lifespan of a tilia cordata is 120 years, making it a hardy and long-lived plant.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are canker and dieback, powdery mildew, and black spot. Canker is a common problem for tilia cordata, and it can cause dieback of branches. Powdery mildew is another common problem, and it can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. Black spot is also a common problem, and it can cause the leaves to turn black and fall off.

Growing Tips

• Make sure to plant your tilia cordata in an area that receives full sun.
  
• Prepare the planting area by tilling the soil and removing any weeds or debris.
  
• Dig a hole that is twice the size of the tilia cordata's root ball.
  
• Gently place the tilia cordata in the hole and fill in with soil.
  
• Water the tilia cordata deeply immediately after planting.
  
• Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture.
  
• Water the tilia cordata regularly, especially during periods of drought.
  
• Fertilize the tilia cordata once a year in the spring using a balanced fertilizer.
  
• Prune the tilia cordata as needed to control its size and shape.
  
• Inspect the tilia cordata regularly for signs of pests or disease and take appropriate action as needed.

Substitution

• Tilia cordata - Littleleaf linden; small-leaved linden
  
• Tilia caucasica - Caucasian lime
  
• Tilia caroliniana - Basswood; American linden
  
• Tilia maxima - Giant-leaved lime
  
• Tilia flavescens - Silver linden; Honey-leaved linden
  
• Tilia tomentosa suppressa - Silver linden; Honey-leaved linden
  
• Tilia x dasystila - Large leaved lime
  
• Tilia celebica - Tilia of Ceylon
  
• Tilia amurensis - Tilia of Amur
  
• Tilia japonica - Japanese linden

Source:
Tilia cordata, little-leaf linden | Trees of Stanford & Environs
Tilia cordata habit: UIPLANTS - University of Illinois Urbana …
Tilia cordata - Species Page - NYFA: New York Flora Atlas