Small leaved Lime  - Tilia cordata  -  €12 per tree 

It's hard to know where to start when summarising this incredible tree -  considered a sacred tree in Slavic mythology, it appears in folklore across Europe and has always been revered. Perhaps little wonder when it is known to be not only a very valuable bee plant, producing an abundance of nectar, but also reportedly extremely beneficial to over 31 species of insects. The young leaves are edible, and dried lime flowers make an aromatic and healthy drink used for centuries and possible longer to treat a wide variety of ailments. The wood is popular for turning and used in furniture making. The tree is perfect to provide shade, as a lawn or street tree. May be pruned for use as hedge or screen. To order this plant please email balkanecologyproject@gmail.com

Context

  • native region: Europe, southwestern Asia
  • native habitat: Woodland on most fertile soils, especially limestone
  • family: Malvaceae

Predators

  • No serious pests or diseases

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Full sun or partial shade
  • soil pH:  acid-neutral -basic alkaline 
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 3 - 7
  • Prefers moist, well drained soil
  • Can tolerate urban conditions
  • Can tolerate strong winds but not maritime exposure

Known hazards 

  • If the flowers used for making tea are too old, they may produce symptoms of narcotic intoxication

Overview

  • Deciduous Tree growing to 30 m by 12 m at a medium rate.
  • It is in flower from June - July, and the seeds ripen in October
  • The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees.
  • Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil.
  • Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils.
  • It prefers moist, well drained soil
  • Adapts to a wide range of soil conditions​​

Characteristics

  • form: Deciduous Tree   
  • layer : Upper Canopy 
  • habit: Tree, upright branching
  • height x width (m): 30 x 12

Products 

  • Leaves: Attractive heart shaped leaves. The young leaves make an excellent  addition to a salad and mild tasting
  • Flowers: Flowers are green-yellow, have five petals, and hang in clusters of 4–10. They have a wonderful and powerful fragrance which attracts many insects, particularly bees. It is not uncommon to hear the load humming of bees when flowers are blooming. Lime flowers have an excellent reputation is herbal medicine and are used for a wide variety of ailments, including to reduce fevers and relieve symptoms of the common cold.
  • Seeds: Flowers give way to nutlets that ripen in late summer
  • Wood: A fibre from the inner bark can be used to make mats, shoes, baskets and ropes. Wood is soft and light and finely textured making it quite easy to work and used in turnery, carving and furniture-making. 


Functions, behaviours

  • Can cast a deep shade in maturity
  • Trees are very amenable to coppicing or pollarding
  • Its bark is grey-brown and smooth and develops flaky plates with age.
  • ​May produce suckers from the base of the tree
If you would like this plant please send an email to balkanecologyproject@gmail.com with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project