American Basswood

Tilia americana

$14.50 Sold out
New

| Hardiness Zones 3-8

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 European 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.
Plant Specs
  • Zones: 3 - 8
  • Sun: Full Sun and Part Shade
  • Soil: Moist and Well-drained
  • Height at Maturity: 60 - 80 Feet
  • Spread at Maturity: 20 - 30 Feet
  • Growth Rate: Fast

Deciduous
Flower/Foliage

Size & Shape: A large, fast-growing deciduous tree, reaching 60–80 feet tall with a broad, rounded canopy that provides ample shade.

Foliage: The leaves are large (5–7 inches), heart-shaped, and serrated, emerging a soft green in spring before maturing into deep green summer foliage. Come fall, they transition to a brilliant golden yellow, adding warmth to the autumn landscape.

Flowers: In late spring to early summer, the tree produces hanging clusters of pale yellow, sweetly scented flowers. These blossoms attract bees in droves, filling the air with a gentle hum.

Ecological & Pollinator Value

  • One of the best trees for honeybees, supporting pollinators with an abundance of nectar-rich flowers.
  • Birds and small mammals feed on the nutlet-like fruits, while the dense canopy provides nesting sites and shelter.
  • Plays a vital role in North American forests, thriving in moist bottomlands, slopes, and rich woodlands.
Care Info

Read full care instruction manual here.

Growing Conditions & Benefits:

  • Sunlight: Thrives in full sun to partial shade.
  • Soil: Prefers moist, well-draining soils, though it tolerates a variety of conditions.
  • Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–8, making it suitable for a wide range of climates.
  • Drought Tolerance: Moderate; benefits from occasional deep watering in dry periods.
  • Wildlife Value: A top nectar source for honeybees, supporting pollinator populations and biodiversity.

Uses in Landscaping & Ecology:

  • An excellent shade tree for parks, streets, and large yards.
  • Popular in beekeeping for producing high-quality, fragrant basswood honey.
  • Historically valued for soft, workable wood used in carving and furniture.

New: Schedule Delayed Shipping in your Cart

Size: Bare Root

Pickup currently unavailable at Aiken Nursery

Size: Bare Root

Grown in Aiken, South Carolina

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders here.

Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants:
from rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

The majority of our plants are carefully cultivated from rooted cuttings, while we also utilize propagation methods such as seed, air layering, and grafting, thoughtfully chosen to suit each plant’s unique needs.

Our plants are cultivated using sustainable practices, including organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management, ensuring they thrive while minimizing environmental impact.

We are proud to contribute to local biodiversity through ongoing donations to the Aiken Arboretum and support for local wildlife conservation efforts, helping to preserve and enhance our community’s natural ecosystems.

Plant Success Tip #1

Unpack Promptly

Carefully unpack your plant as soon as it arrives. Check the roots and soil to ensure they are still moist. If the roots feel dry, lightly mist or water them before proceeding with planting or temporary storage.

Plant Success Tip #2

Acclimate Your Plant

Allow your plant to adjust to its new environment by placing it in a sheltered spot for a day or two before planting, especially if it has traveled a long distance. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures right away.

Plant Success Tip #3

Follow Planting and Care Instructions

Plant your new arrival as soon as possible, following the specific care guidelines provided. If planting outdoors isn’t immediately possible, temporarily pot it in well-draining soil to maintain health until conditions are suitable.

Read Care Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

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.