American Basswood
Tilia americana
Malvaceae
Photo by Placeholder via System Generated • CC0 (2025-05-28)
Description
American Basswood is a fast-growing native tree valued for its fragrant flowers that attract bees and its heart-shaped leaves. Common in Buffalo's forests and parks, it's known for producing excellent honey and having soft, workable wood.
Characteristics
Leaf Type
simple
Leaf Shape
large heart-shaped with asymmetrical base
Height
60-80 feet
Bark
gray, furrowed into narrow scaly ridges
Fruit
small round nutlets attached to leaf-like bract
Flowers
pale yellow
Identification Tips
- • Large heart-shaped leaves 5-8 inches
- • Flowers hang from leaf-like bract
- • Often sprouts from base forming clumps
- • Asymmetrical leaf base
- • Very fragrant flowers in early summer
Seasonal Changes
Spring
Large heart-shaped leaves emerge
Summer
Fragrant flowers in June attract many bees
Fall
Pale yellow fall color
Winter
Red buds and young shoots visible
Habitat & Growing Conditions
Hardiness Zones
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Soil Preference
rich, moist, well-drained
Sun Requirements
partial shade
Image Gallery
Leaves
Photo by Placeholder via System Generated • CC0
Winter
Photo by Placeholder via System Generated • CC0