American Basswood
Tilia americana
Zones 2–13
Growing
Establishing an American basswood begins with careful attention to the environment around the young sapling. If you are starting seeds indoors to later move into the garden, ensure the soil remains evenly moist, as this species thrives in consistent moisture rather than drought-prone conditions. When transplanting, select a site with well-draining soil that stays damp, as the tree prefers a stable moisture level. While it is adaptable to various light levels, providing plenty of sun will help the tree develop a robust structure.
As the tree matures, its growth habit becomes a significant feature of your landscape. This large, deciduous tree is a wonderful addition for pollinators, often attracting various insects with its fragrant blooms. Because it can spread by dropping its own seeds, you may notice small new arrivals near the parent tree over time. To maintain a healthy specimen, focus on regular watering, especially during periods of dry weather, to support its large, heart-shaped leaves and steady development.
| Sun | full sun |
|---|---|
| Water | medium |
| Grow time | — |
| Height | >6ft |
| Spacing | >24in |
| Full sun | ✓ |
|---|---|
| Part shade | ✓ |
| Shade | ✓ |
| Life cycle | perennial |
|---|---|
| Category | flowering tree |
| Growth habit | tree |
| Frost tolerance | hardy |
| Height | over 6ft |
| Spacing | over 24in |
| Days to bloom | over 150 |
| Native us | ✓ |
| Water | medium |
|---|---|
| Drainage | moist |
| Soil ph min | 5.5 |
| Soil ph max | 7.5 |
| Propagation | |
| Seed | ✓ |
| Cutting | ✗ |
| Division | ✗ |
| Graft | ✗ |
| Tuber bulb crown | ✗ |
| Transplant | ✓ |
| Container ok | ✗ |
| Spread | self seeds |
| Deer resistant | ✗ |
| Drought tolerant | ✗ |
| Toxic to | |
| People | — |
| Pets | — |
| Livestock | — |
| Length | under 2wk |
|---|---|
| Colors | |
| White | ✗ |
| Yellow | ✗ |
| Orange | ✗ |
| Red | ✗ |
| Pink | ✗ |
| Purple | ✗ |
| Blue | ✗ |
| Green | ✗ |
| Visitors | |
|---|---|
| Honey bees | ✓ |
| Native bees | ✓ |
| Bumblebees | ✓ |
| Butterflies | ✓ |
| Moths | ✓ |
| Hummingbirds | ✗ |
| Beneficial insects | ✓ |
| Nectar | high |
| Pollen | high |
| Larval host | ✓ |
| Specialist bees | — |
| Seed for birds | ✗ |
| Status | none |
|---|---|
| Regions | |
| Northeast | ✗ |
| Southeast | ✗ |
| Midwest | ✗ |
| Plains | ✗ |
| Southwest | ✗ |
| Mountain west | ✗ |
| Pacific northwest | ✗ |
| California | ✗ |
| Hawaii | ✗ |
| State noxious | ✗ |
| Escapes cultivation | ✗ |
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Harvest | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
References: Wikipedia · USDA plant guide · USDA plant guide · USDA plant guide · USDA plant guide · how this data is made