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Tilia americana var. heterophylla (Vent.) Loud.
American basswood, Linden, White basswood
Synonyms: Tilia heterophylla
USDA Symbol: TIAMH
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
A stately, wide-spreading tree 60-80 ft. tall, occasionally much taller. Conical form in youth, the crown becoming rounded with age. Broadly oval leaves, with densely white undersides, sometimes change to yellow in fall but often turn brown and somewhat unsightly. Tends to sprout at the base, producing a clump of tall trees around what was the original tree. Inconspicuous but fragrant flowers.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Tree Size Class: 72-100 ft.
Leaf Color: Green
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Jun , Jul
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , FL , GA , IL , IN , IA , KY , LA , ME , MD , MA , MS , MO , NJ , NY , NC , OH , PA , SC , TN , VA , WV , DC
Native Distribution: N.w. FL to LA, n. to PA, WV, s. OH, s. IN, s. IL & MO
Native Habitat: Rich, rocky woods & bluffs
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(I) Growing Conditions
Water Use: High
Light Requirement: Part Shade
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Soil Description: Rich, rocky soils.
Conditions Comments: Not Available
Propagation
Description: Untreated seeds germinate in 2-3 years. Seeds germinate most easily if fruits are collected as they first trun slightly brown and are planted immediately. Mechanical or chemical pretreatment of the hard pericarp and seed coat hastens germination.
Seed Collection: Seeds germinate most easily if fruits are collected as they first turn slightly brown. For storage, dry seeds and store at room temperature up to two years.
Seed Treatment: Scarify mechanically or soak in concentrated sulfuric acid and moist chill for 3 months.
Commercially Avail: yes
Metadata
Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff
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