American Basswood
Tilia americana
Pickup currently unavailable at Aiken Nursery
A tree of legends, Tilia americana, commonly known as American Basswood, has long stood as a symbol of resilience, nourishment, and craftsmanship across North America. With its graceful, spreading form and heart-shaped leaves, it has been cherished by Indigenous cultures, European settlers, and naturalists alike. From the sweetly fragrant flowers that hum with pollinators in summer to the golden-yellow foliage that signals autumn's arrival, this stately tree offers both beauty and function in the landscape.
A Tree of Many Names & Many Uses
American Basswood has been called Linden, Bee Tree, and Lime Tree, though it is neither citrus nor related to the lime tree. Indigenous peoples used its strong yet flexible inner bark fibers for crafting ropes, mats, and even clothing. Early settlers prized its light, soft wood for carving, furniture, and musical instruments. Today, its nectar-rich flowers remain a top choice for beekeepers, producing a light, floral honey often regarded as some of the best in the world.
- Hardiness
- USDA Zones 3–8
- Sun
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Soil
- Moist, Well-drained
- Mature size
- Height 60–80 Feet · Spread 20–30 Feet
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Seasonality
- Deciduous
From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.
Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.
Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.
Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.
All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.
Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.
What to expect upon delivery
All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.
Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?
Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
What payment methods can I use?
We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?
At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.
Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.