Other Names:  Cut-leaved Lime, Cut-leaf Linden, Laciniate Linden

Description:

A stately shade tree with large, deep green foliage that is deeply divided, appearing shredded; a broad, pyramidal habit of growth, a nice, tidy and low maintenance tree that is very adaptable

Ornamental Features

Cut-leaved Linden is primarily valued in the landscape for its distinctively pyramidal habit of growth. It features subtle clusters of fragrant buttery yellow flowers with tan bracts hanging below the branches in early summer. It has attractive dark green deciduous foliage. The large deeply cut heart-shaped leaves are highly ornamental and turn yellow in fall. The furrowed brown bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape.

Landscape Attributes

Cut-leaved Linden is a deciduous tree with a distinctive and refined pyramidal form. It lends an extremely fine and delicate texture to the landscape composition which can make it a great accent feature on this basis alone.

This is a relatively low maintenance tree, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It is a good choice for attracting bees to your yard. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Insects

Cut-leaved Linden is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Shade

Planting & Growing

Cut-leaved Linden will grow to be about 60 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 50 feet. It has a high canopy with a typical clearance of 6 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. As it matures, the lower branches of this tree can be strategically removed to create a high enough canopy to support unobstructed human traffic underneath. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 70 years or more.

This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and should do just fine under average home landscape conditions. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.