Silver Linden (Tilia tomentosa)

The silver linden is a medium-sized tree that has heart shaped, dark green leaves with silvery-white undersides. In June to July, this tree's very fragrant, creamy yellow flowers being to bloom in hanging clusters. This tree attracts butterflies.

Family: Tiliaceae (Linden)

Characteristics: The 2-inch to 5-inch-long leaves are heart shaped, sharply serrated, and dark green with silvery-white undersides. In the fall, leaves may turn a pale yellow. In June-July, fragrant, creamy yellow flowers begin to bloom in hanging clusters, with 7-10 flowers per cluster. These flowers are followed by gray nutlets. Bark is gray and smooth when young, becoming ridged with age. This tree has a columnar shape with upright branches. It grows 50-70 feet high and 30-50 feet wide.

Foliage: Deciduous (leaves lost seasonally)

Geographic Origin: Southeast Europe and Asia (non-native)

Cultivation Notes: Requires low maintenance. Does best in full sun to part shade. Prefers moist and well-drained soils, though adapts to a wide range of soil conditions. This species is the most drought resistant of all lindens.

Number on Campus: 1

Sources: Dirr, Morton Arboretum, Missouri Botanical Garden