Littleleaf Linden Tilia cordata 'Greenspire'

Names

• Family

  Malvaceae

• Synonyms

  Small-Leaved Lime, Littleleaf Linden, Greenspire Linden

• Common names

  Tilia parvifolia, Tilia ulmifolia, Tilia bohemica, Tilia europaea, Tilia sylvestris, Tilia vulgaris.

Toxicity

• To humans

  The Littleleaf Linden is not considered toxic to humans. In fact, various parts of the plant, such as the flowers, have been used in traditional medicine and for making teas. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning or harmful effects from ingesting the Littleleaf Linden in normal food quantities.

• To pets

  The Littleleaf Linden is generally recognized as safe for pets. It does not contain toxic substances that are harmful to dogs or cats, and there is no evidence suggesting that normal contact or incidental ingestion of the leaves or flowers would lead to poisoning in pets.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Yellow

• Height

  40 feet 12 meters (12m)

• Spread

  35 feet 10 meters (10m)

• Plant type

  Tree

• Hardiness zones

  3

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• Shade provider - The 'Greenspire' Littleleaf Linden offers ample shade with its dense foliage, making it ideal for parks and large gardens.
• Aesthetic appeal - With its heart-shaped leaves and symmetrical canopy, it adds visual interest and beauty to any landscape.
• Drought tolerance - Once established, it has a moderate tolerance to drought, requiring less frequent watering.
• Urban adaptability - It's resilient to urban pollution and can thrive in city environments with minimal maintenance.
• Wildlife habitat - The tree attracts bees, butterflies, and birds, providing nectar and nesting sites.
• Seasonal interest - In addition to its summer greenery, it offers fragrant yellow-white flowers in early summer and attractive yellow autumn foliage.
• Longevity - The 'Greenspire' is a long-lived tree, providing benefits for many years once it matures.
• Erosion control - Its extensive root system helps to stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes.
• Winter hardiness - It has a good resistance to winter damage and can withstand cold temperatures.

Medical Properties

• Anti-inflammatory: Tilia cordata 'Greenspire', like other linden species, has been traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory properties.
• Anxiolytic and Sedative: The flowers of the plant are sometimes used for their calming effects, which can help alleviate anxiety and promote sleep.
• Diaphoretic: Linden flowers can induce sweating and are traditionally used to relieve fever.
• Antispasmodic: The plant has been used to help reduce muscle spasms and cramps.
• Expectorant: Linden flowers are also known to help in expelling mucus from the respiratory tract and easing coughs.
• Diuretic: It has been used to promote the production of urine which can aid in detoxification and relieve water retention.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• The small-leaved lime tree is often planted in urban environments for its tolerance to pollution and its ability to survive in compacted soils.
• Wood from the small-leaved lime is soft and lightweight, making it suitable for intricate carving and is often used by sculptors and woodworkers.
• In historical instrument-making, the small-leaved lime's wood was prized for its acoustic properties and used for making lutes and other stringed instruments.
• The inner bark of the small-leaved lime, known as bast, can be processed into a fiber for making rope or woven into mats and baskets.
• Beekeepers highly value the small-leaved lime for its nectar, as it attracts bees and contributes to the production of a richly flavored honey.
• The small-leaved lime's flowers can be dried and added to potpourri mixes for their pleasant scent and decorative appearance.
• Leaves from the small-leaved lime can be used as a natural dye, providing colors ranging from yellow to a creamy off-white, depending on the mordant used.
• In marquetry and veneer-making, the small-leaved lime's wood, with its fine grain and pale color, is a popular choice for detailed inlay work on furniture.
• Children can use the seed pods and leaves in craft projects, such as making leaf rubbings or natural collages, due to their distinctive heart shape and texture.
• The small-leaved lime tree is occasionally used in agroforestry practices, providing shade for crops or livestock in integrated farming systems.

Feng Shui

The Small-leaved Lime is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Small-leaved Lime is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Love: The Tilia cordata, commonly known as the Linden tree or Small-leaved Lime, is often associated with love and fertility, possibly due to the heart-shaped leaves and the tree's historic use in matrimonial ceremonies and decorations.
• Peace: In European folklore, the Linden tree is seen as a symbol of peace and tranquility. Its presence in village squares and courts of justice in Germany and the Slavic countries was an indication of a peaceful gathering place.
• Community: The Linden was traditionally planted in town centers to signify the heart of the community, serving as a gathering spot for communal meetings and celebrations, thus symbolizing unity and togetherness.
• Justice: In Germanic cultures, the Linden tree is connected to judicial matters. Judgments were often issued under its branches, signifying fairness and the pursuit of truth.
• Healing: Known for its medicinal properties, the Linden tree symbolizes healing and health. Its flowers have been used to make teas that soothe anxiety and promote relaxation.