Small-leaved lime (linden) Tilia cordata
Small-leaved lime (linden) (Tilia cordata) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Malvaceae family, native to Europe and western Asia. It grows 15–25 m (49–82 ft) tall and 8–14 m (26–46 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -37 °C (-35 °F). Space plants about 10 m (33 ft) apart.
Plan Small-leaved lime (linden) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Small-leaved lime (linden) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Mature height | 15–25 m (49–82 ft) |
| Mature spread | 8–14 m (26–46 ft) |
| Spacing | 10 m (33 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -37 °C (-35 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about July for 1–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: flowers (tea), young leaves |
| Native to | Europe and western Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇳🇴 Norway |
Is Small-leaved lime (linden) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
Flowers are used for tea; pet toxicity is not well documented.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Small-leaved lime (linden)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
See Small-leaved lime (linden) in a botanical garden
It grows in this sample garden, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Longwood Gardens (4 plants)
Questions about Small-leaved lime (linden)
- How far apart should I plant Small-leaved lime (linden)?
- About 10 m (33 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 8–14 m (26–46 ft).
- Does Small-leaved lime (linden) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Small-leaved lime (linden) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Small-leaved lime (linden)?
- It tolerates about -37 °C (-35 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does Small-leaved lime (linden) flower?
- From about July for 1–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Small-leaved lime (linden) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not known to be toxic. Flowers are used for tea; pet toxicity is not well documented.
- What grows well with Small-leaved lime (linden)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Small-leaved lime (linden). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
Notes and assumptions
- Fragrant midsummer flowers are a major bee plant; sticky aphid honeydew drips from the canopy.
- Tolerates clipping and pleaching.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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