How to identify Small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata)

How to identify Small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata)

Small-leaved lime, also known as Pry, Littleleaf linden

Small-leaved lime is distinguished by its heart-shaped leaves, which measure approximately 1.5 to 3 inches (3.8 to 7.6 cm) in both length and width. The leaves exhibit a dual-tone with a darker green upper surface and a lighter green beneath. These leaves are arranged alternately on the branches and have serrated edges. In bloom, small-leaved lime displays creamy-colored flowers grouped in clusters, with each containing 5 to 7 individual blossoms. By late summer, the tree bears small, rounded, hairy nutlets of a tan hue. The bark of young small-leaved lime trees appears grayish-brown and furrowed, maturing to a dark gray with deep furrows and ridges.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Small-leaved lime

Heart-shaped leaves 1.5-3 inches (3.8-7.6 cm) across, dual-tone green, serrated edges.

Creamy yellow cluster flowers, fragrant, pendulous arrangement, attracting bees and butterflies.

Small, fuzzy nutlets 1/4 inch (6-7 mm) diameter, pale green turning tan when mature.

Reddish-brown stem with zig-zag pattern, shiny oval buds, 0.4-0.8 inches (1-2 cm) thick.

Trunk matures to dark gray with deep furrows and ridges, distinct from other trees.

Detailed Traits of Small-leaved lime

Leaf Features

The leaves of small-leaved lime are light to dark green with a semi-glossy upper surface and a lighter underside. These simple, opposite, ovate leaves have a wide, heart-shaped (cordate) base. They measure 1.5 to 3 inches (3.8 to 7.6 cm) in both length and width, featuring serrate margins. In the fall, the leaves turn a chartreuse color, possibly becoming golden yellow under stress.

Leaf Shape

Ovate ,

Cordate

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Flower Features

The flowers of small-leaved lime are fragrant, creamy yellow blossoms arranged in pendulous clusters, each cluster containing 5-7 flowers. These clusters dangle from a long, strapped bract. The flowers bloom from June to early July, emitting a rich nectar that draws bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Their delightful scent and distinctive cluster formation make them recognizable. The flower clusters can be observed hanging prominently, adding to the plant's ornamental appeal.

Inflorescence Type

Cymes

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Stem Features

The stem of small-leaved lime displays a reddish-brown hue with a smooth texture. It exhibits a slightly zig-zag pattern along its length. The stem's surface is complemented by reddish, oval, and shiny buds that add to its distinctive appearance. Typically smooth and about 0.4-0.8 inches (1-2 cm) thick, the stem's unique pattern and bud characteristics play a crucial role in distinguishing small-leaved lime from other plants.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of small-leaved lime are small, globular nutlets with a diameter of about 1/4 inch (6-7 mm). They have a fuzzy surface, indicative of their hairy texture. These nutlets display a pale green hue when immature, transitioning to a light tan upon reaching maturity. They form in clusters that dangle gracefully from the branches and are typically observable in the late summer season.

Fruit Type

Drupe

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Small-leaved lime and Their Similar Plants

Large-leaved lime vs. Small-leaved lime: What's The Difference?

Large-leaved lime is a plant species native to Europe. Ironically, it grows in soils rich in the mineral called lime. This species' scientific name, Tilia platyphyllos, means "broad leaves." It is widely cultivated around the world as an ornamental tree, often planted in parks and city streets because of its hardy, versatile nature. Wood from the large-leaved lime is used for carving. It is an old species: its fossilized remains have been found in Turkey from the Pliocene epoch.

American basswood vs. Small-leaved lime: What's The Difference?

American basswood (Tilia americana) is a deciduous tree with a wide, rounded crown, very similar to its European cousin Tilia Cordata. A subtle difference between the species can be found on the bark - if an orange hue is present in the valleys on the bark, then it is T. Cordata.

Silver linden vs. Small-leaved lime: What's The Difference?

Silver linden is a large deciduous tree that shimmers with the breeze. It has creamy white flowers rich in nectar, attracting bees and also being valuable for butterflies. In Romania, there’s a bronze bust of the poet Mihai Eminescu who often spent time under the silver linden tree with his loved one Veronica Micle.

Mongolian lime vs. Small-leaved lime: What's The Difference?

Mongolian lime (Tilia mongolica) is an ornamental tree that is popular for its small size, making it ideal for gardens. Its serrated leaves offer several seasons of interest as they emerge as bronze, turn to green in summer, and then to yellow in the fall. The common name, "Mongolian lime," and specific epithet, mongolica, refer to this plant's native range in Mongolia.

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Key Facts About Small-leaved lime

Attributes of Small-leaved lime

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree

Plant Height

15 m to 40 m

Spread

9 m to 15 m

Leaf Color

Green

Yellow

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

Yellow

Cream

White

Fruit Color

Cream

Tan

Stem Color

Green

Red

Leaf type

Deciduous

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Scientific Classification of Small-leaved lime

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Mallows, rock-roses, and allies

Family

Mallow

Genus

Lindens

Species

Small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata)

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Distribution Map of Small-leaved lime

Small-leaved lime is native to a large part of Europe, eastwards to Siberia and south to Iran, in areas of loose woodland. It has been planted as an ornamental around the world and is considered an introduced species in a few parts of the United States as well as Uzbekistan.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Small-leaved lime

A Comprehensive Guide to Small-leaved lime How to Grow and Care for Small-leaved lime