The leaves of the linden are probably one of the most characteristic features of the popular deciduous tree. Its large heart shape has inspired poetic sentiments in the past, but it also has some practical merits.

No linden leaf is like the other

The typical heart shape of the linden leaves

The leaves of linden trees are alternate and bilinear, i.e. regularly arranged. Their generous bulges at the base of the stem are characteristic, almost legendary. Because in combination with the finely tapered tip of the blade, a clear heart shape results, which has brought emotional connotations to mankind countless times. It is not for nothing that the linden tree has established itself as a symbol of love in many cultures and is the subject of numerous poetic works of art.

The combination of appearance and symbolism:

  • regular leaf stand
  • heart shaped outline
  • primarily a love symbol

The properties depending on the species

Altogether there are about 20 to 40 species of linden trees, which of course always differ a little in their vegetative characteristics. In addition to quite different growth heights between 15 and 40 meters, the leaves also show their own characteristics, especially with regard to the following criteria:

  • size
  • shape
  • color
  • texture

size

Size is one of the most obvious criteria in distinguishing species. Especially in the two most important species in our Central European latitudes, the small-leaved and the small-leaved lime, the size is the clearest distinguishing feature. The leaf of the small-leaved lime reaches a length of about 12 cm, the somewhat rounder leaf of the small-leaved lime is only about 6 cm long and 5 cm wide. The leaves of the American linden can even reach about 20 cm in length. Due to their large, light leaves, linden trees are extremely pleasant shade providers.

shape

The outline of the leaves is generally heart-shaped in the various types of lime tree, although sometimes it is more rounded and sometimes more oblong. The edge of the leaf is usually serrated, but there are also different characteristics. The leaf of Henry's linden, for example, shows very strong perforation, while it is rather fine in the case of small-leaved and small-leaved linden. Some non-native species also have slightly varying leaf contours, such as the Mongolian linden with its distinct pointed lobes.

color

The colors vary only slightly, the leaves of small-leaved or American linden are rather light, those of winter and especially silver or Crimean linden are darker. The silver linden also has a silvery coating on the underside of the leaf, the leaf of the Crimean linden is shinier than that of the other varieties.

texture

Some types of linden show fine hairs on the leaf surfaces and also on the stems. This is the case, for example, with the summer and winter linden. The hair is brownish on the small-leaved lime and whitish on the small-leaved lime. In the case of the small-leaved lime, however, there are only hairs on the veins on the underside of the leaves, while the leaf of the small-leaved lime is completely covered with fine down.

indications of diseases

In the event of pest infestation, the leaves of the linden tree in particular can be an indicator. This is particularly the case with the linden gall mite, which causes small red squirrels to form on the upper side of the leaf.

Category:

Trees