Small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata)

Small-leaved lime

Also known as: Pry, Littleleaf linden

Small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata) is a deciduous tree that is cultivated all over the world as an ornamental plant in parks and avenues. Honeybees like to visit the flowers; monofloral honey made from this species is considered to be very nutritious. British ship outfitters used small-leaved lime wood for onboard furniture; French shipwrights thought the weak wood was used for shipbuilding and introduced the epithet, "limey," for British people.

Scientific classification

Species

Small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata)

Mallows, rock-roses, and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Tree

Plant Type

Late spring, Summer

Bloom Time

Mid fall

Harvest Time

15 m to 40 m

Plant Height

9 m to 15 m

Spread

Green, Yellow

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Cream, Tan

Fruit Color

Yellow, Cream, White

Flower Color

Green, Red

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

5 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Summer

Growth Season

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Small-leaved lime

Distribution of Small-leaved lime

Distribution Map

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

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Woods, wooded limestone cliffs

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

Small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata) is a popular ornamental tree loved for its elegant shape. It makes for a great shade tree due to its dense foliage. This is a good standalone ornamental garden tree and is also a popular street and avenue tree. Because of its dense foliage, small-leaved lime can also be trimmed into hedges and screens, making an eye-catching combination when paired with sweet gum or walnut.

Symbolism

Protection, Immortality, Luck, a place of great importance, ancient forests

Interesting Facts

In the United Kingdom, small-leaved lime is considered an indicator of ancient woodlands - woodlands that have persisted continuously since 1600 or before. It's estimated that some Tilia cordata woodlands in the UK are around eight centuries old.

Name Story

Small-leaved lime: The small-leaved description is given based on its comparison with Tilia americana tree. This plant has smaller and smoother leaves than Tilia americana. Whereas the name, lime is actually derived from lind which is an abbreviation of linden. Hence, it is called small-leaved lime.

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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.

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Care Guide for Small-leaved lime

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Small-leaved lime thrives in moderately moist soil, preferring consistent moisture without waterlogging. Water once every 1-2 weeks, allowing slight drying. During dormancy in colder months, reduce watering to conserve resources as it prepares for spring rejuvenation.

Fertilize: For optimal growth of small-leaved lime, apply a balanced fertilizer annually in early spring and supplement with high nitrogen during active growth. Monitor soil nutrients to prevent over-fertilization, adjust rates based on size and soil fertility, and stop nitrogen feeding in autumn. Use granular or liquid forms evenly.

Pruning: Small-leaved lime features heart-shaped leaves and fragrant flowers. Prune in early spring, removing dead wood and thinning branches for balance. Use clean, sharp tools to avoid infections. This promotes healthy growth, air circulation, and enhances aesthetics while managing size and boosting flowering.

Propagation: Small-leaved lime can be propagated easily via hardwood cuttings, layering (air), or seeds, ideally in autumn and winter. Success is indicated by new shoots and robust root growth. It is vital to use healthy, disease-free branches for hardwood cuttings.

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Images of Small-leaved lime

Distribution of Small-leaved lime

Culture

Quickly Identify Small-leaved lime

Care Guide for Small-leaved lime

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Common Pests & Diseases