Small-leaved lime belongs to the genus Linden of the mallow family. It is more widespread in northern and eastern Europe than the small-leaved lime. In nature, the small-leaved lime occurs in mixed deciduous forests. It is often planted by the roadside.
The small-leaved lime has a spreading crown
Scientific designation and systematics
- Tilia cordata
- Genus: Linden (Tilia)
- Subfamily: Linden family (Tilioideae)
- Family: Mallow family (Malvaceae)
description
Small-leaved lime is a deciduous deciduous tree that grows to about 30 meters tall and several hundred years old. It has a slender, upright trunk with a high-set small crown that is translucent. The leaves of the small-leaved lime are heart-shaped, bare on top and hairy on the underside. The two sides of the leaf also differ in colour. The flowers, which appear in June, are whitish and attract bees, bumblebees and butterflies with their sweet fragrance, which do pollination. The flower produces a soft and thin fruit that is easy to crush between your fingers.
occurrence and distribution
- thrives best in a temperate climate,
- prefers loose, mineral-rich soil,
- tolerates well shaded locations as well as temporary drought,
- is found throughout Europe, in contrast to the small-leaved lime also in the north,
- is often planted on roadsides or in parks.
propagation
Propagation is both generative (through seeds) and vegetative (through stick and root budding). Due to the hybridization of the small-leaved and small-leaved lime trees, the so-called "Dutch lime trees" were created by natural crossing. These have the characteristics of the two species, so that the distinction is practically impossible.
use
The small-leaved lime is a popular tree with beekeepers because of the high sugar content in the nectar of the flowers. The flowers are also used in herbal tea blends. The linden wood only plays for special use, such as e.g. B. for turning work and in the sculpture a role. In addition, this native linden species is used and valued in the reforestation and conservation of forests.
tips
The small-leaved lime was declared tree of the year 2016 in Germany, which contributes to its popularity and greater awareness.