LINDEN
Tilia cordata
COMMON NAMES: Lime tree, common lime, linden flower, American basswood.
FEATURES: Linden is a common name for trees of the genus Tilia in the family Tiliaceae, which in Great
Britain are commonly called limes and in America basswood (the native species at least), which is Tilia
americana, a magnificent forest tree that reaches 130 feet in height. The genus comprises some thirty
species of handsome large- or medium-sized trees native to the north temperate zone whose taxonomy is
much confused because of free hybridization among many members. All lindens grow best in rich, moist
soil and shed their leaves early in dry locations.
The species is characterized by prominent winter buds and the lack of a terminal bud; the leaves, which
are mostly roundish ovate with oblique and more or less cordate bases, are always toothed and often have
tufts of down in the axils of the veins of the lower surface. Flowers are dull white or yellowish, about ½
inch wide, with five sepals and petals and numerous stamens cohering in groups in many species. The
flowers appear in June and August and are very fragrant; they produce copious amounts of nectar, that is
very attractive to bees. The linden honey is of high quality and rather strong flavor. One of two varieties
produce substances poisonous to bees. The fruit is the size and shape of a pea and is commonly called
monkey nuts. The fine-grained wood is soft and light, making it ideal for carving, and it was used by the
Iroquois. Of no use in construction.
MEDICINAL PARTS: Flowers, leaves.
SOLVENT: Boiling water.
BODILY INFLUENCE: Nervine, stimulant, tonic.
USES: A well-known and much-used herb for domestic use in nervous conditions and disorders following
colds. Promotes perspiration in fevers and relieves cough and hoarseness, helps remove mucus from the
lungs and trachea, and provides relief from bronchial catarrh. Advisable to combine with coltsfoot
(Tussilago farfara) for this purpose. The infusion will also flush the kidney, bladder, and stomach of
unwanted mucus when present and prevent the development of serious abdominal conditions that are
sometimes the cause of lung and windpipe complaints. It is also excellent for female complaints and has
had a great reputation for aid in epilepsy.
DOSE: Infusion of leaves or flowers—1 teaspoonful to 1 cup of boiling water, steep ½ hour, cool and
drink as frequently as required. Tincture, 15–20 drops as indicated by condition.