Tilia americana L. American Lime, American Linden or Basswood
Native of eastern N. America, cultivated for shade or ornament in north-eastern states and occasionally in Europe. Important in N. America as a source of nectar for honey bees. Height to about 21m (70ft) or more in the wild. Flowers open in early July, each about 1.2cm (¨öin) on downy¡¤stems, with a rounded bract up to 10cm (4in) long. Fruits are about 0.3cm (¨û in) across, smooth and hairless. Leaves are large, about 20cm (8in) long, light green on both surfaces, and hairless except for tiny downy tufts in the axils of the veins underneath. Bark is dark greyish brown and rough, ridged and furrowed. Zone 3