This large deciduous tree has a stout grey trunk with spreading branches that form a broad columnar crown. It has zig zag shoots with dull dark green heart-shaped toothed leaves and pale yellow cup-shaped flowers appear in clusters during summer.

Hardiness zones 4 to 7

Tilia x europaeais a natural hybrid betweenTilia cordataand Tilia platyphyllosand is the most common Lime in Britain and is growing throughout Europe and lives for up to 1,000 years. It can attain a height of 50m (150ft) tall tending to sucker at the base.

It prefers a well drained deep fertile moist loam that is tending alkaline to neutral, but will tolerate acidic soils. It grows in an open sunny to partly shaded wind protected position and is frost tolerant but drought tender.

Common Lime is grown for its habit and foliage. It is planted in large gardens, parks and along avenues for shade or as a lawn specimen. It establishes in 3 to 5 years and is long lived. It grows on the coast and in the mountains but care should be taken as the roots can cause structural damage to roadways and buildings. ID 2774

Tilia(TEE-lee-ah) x europaea(oy-rô-PIE-a)

Malvaceae(mal-VAY-see-ee)
Cotton, Mallows and Hollyhocks