Plant Details

Tilia americana

Basswood

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Tilia americana.

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General Information

Scientific name: Tilia americana
Also known as: Basswood

Plant Properties

Layer: Tree
Size: Large
Height: 25.00 m
Width: 12.00 m
Growth Rate: Moderate
Leaf: Deciduous

Growth conditions

USDA Hardiness: 3-9
Soil Moisture:
Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
pH:
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Light:
Partial shade, Full sun

Usage properties

Edible part:
Leaves, Sap
Edibility:
(3)
Medicinal:
(3)
Features:
Charcoal, Fibre, Paper, Wood, Bee forage

Description

Young leaves can be eaten both raw and cooked. They have a subtle flavor and a soft, somewhat slimy texture. They make a delicious addition to salads, and when cooked, they resemble vegetables. The sap is harvested from the bark and is used as a refreshing drink. It can also be thickened into syrup and used as a sweetener. Flowers can be eaten raw, for example, added to salads. They can also serve as a tea substitute, due to their sweet and fragrant taste. Some even use them to make a chocolate substitute.

Harvest Data

Start Harvest: 01/07
End of Harvest: 31/08

Crown Data

Crown Type: Narrow pyramidal
Crown Density: Dense crown