The lime tree is one of our most popular avenue and courtyard trees. It has an important cultural-historical significance, of which some of its practical features are certainly not entirely innocent. Here is an overview of the folksy home tree.

The linden is one of our native trees

The cultural and historical significance of the lime tree

At the fountain in front of the gate, there is a linden tree… this old folk song has set a prominent monument to the linden tree. And given their important cultural and historical role, that is all too legitimate. Because in many village communities in Central Europe, a linden tree traditionally formed the center where people met, enjoyed community and formed relationships.

Their cultural relevance is no coincidence - because the deciduous tree has some characteristics and special features that make it ideal for various human needs. These are:

  • moderate growth height
  • flat, heart-shaped leaves
  • high age
  • versatile flowers

The virtues of the Linden traits

The height and growth

Depending on the species - there are about 40 in total - lime trees are about 15 to 40 meters high. The smaller species in particular are therefore well suited for planting in civilisation, i.e. on roadsides, on village squares or in larger gardens. They form an extremely harmonious growth habit with a sprawling, often very even crown over a straight trunk. This growth makes them a particularly pleasant source of shade.

leaves

The leaves of the linden tree are known for their distinctive heart shape. Depending on the variety, the leaf is sometimes flatter, sometimes a little smaller - the species of large-leaved summer linden and small-leaved winter linden are particularly relevant in this regard. The broad shape of the leaves and the light leaf color are also partly responsible for the incomparably light, pleasant linden shade.

High age

Lime trees can get very old and therefore have a certain nostalgic character. Individual specimens can live up to 500 years.

The blossoms

The flowers are also one of the most important characteristics of the linden tree, because they have some very advantageous characteristics: On the one hand, they exude a wonderfully sweet, honey-like scent in midsummer and are valuable bee pasture. Lime blossom honey is therefore also one of the most well-known beekeeping specialties. A tasty and soothing tea can also be brewed from the flowers, which can bring significant relief, especially in the case of colds.

One of the more unpleasant characteristics of the linden blossom is the so-called honeydew - a sticky secretion that it secretes and can cause annoying coatings on cars, bicycles or garbage cans.

Other vegetative features

site conditions

Linden trees place particular demands on light - they thrive best in full sun. They like the soil to be permeable and pH-neutral.

fruit

The fragrant flowers give rise to small, spherical fruits with a single bract. This carries the ripe fruit further away when it falls, so that the linden tree can sow a wider spectrum.

species

Some of the 15 to 40 lime tree species are native to us, others also come from subtropical areas. The most important types are:

  • small-leaved lime
  • small-leaved lime
  • silver linden
  • Crimean lime tree

Category:

Trees