Tilia Tomentosa Petiolaris

Description

Tilia Tomentosa Petiolaris, commonly known as the Silver Linden, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Tiliaceae family. It is native to southeastern Europe and western Asia, and is widely cultivated in North America as an ornamental tree. The tree can grow up to 50 feet tall and has a broad, oval-shaped crown. It has silver-green leaves that are heart-shaped and serrated, and fragrant yellow flowers that bloom in early summer.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

The Silver Linden has a distinctive appearance that makes it a popular choice for landscaping. It has a tall, straight trunk that is covered in gray-brown bark with deep furrows. The tree’s branches are sturdy and spread out in a wide, oval shape. Its leaves are a silvery-green color on top and fuzzy underneath, and are heart-shaped with serrated edges. The leaves turn yellow in the fall before dropping. The tree’s flowers are small, fragrant, and yellow, and are arranged in clusters that hang from the branches. The Silver Linden’s fruit is a small, round nut that is enclosed in a papery wing.

Care Guide

The Silver Linden is a hardy tree that is relatively easy to care for. Here are some tips:

• Water: The tree needs regular watering, especially during dry spells. Water deeply once a week, or more often if the soil is dry.
• Fertilization: Fertilize the tree in the spring and fall with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
• Soil: The Silver Linden prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay and sand.
• Sunlight: The tree needs full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but will not grow as quickly or produce as many flowers.
• Hardiness Zones: The Silver Linden is hardy in USDA zones 4-7.

Common Pests & Diseases

The Silver Linden is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it can still be affected by a few common problems:

• Aphids: These small insects can cause leaves to curl and yellow. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or by attracting natural predators like ladybugs.
• Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes dark spots on the leaves. It can be prevented by keeping the tree’s foliage dry and removing infected leaves.
• Verticillium wilt: This fungal disease can cause the tree to wilt and die. It is difficult to control, but can be prevented by planting the tree in well-drained soil and avoiding stress to the tree.

Habitat

The Silver Linden is native to southeastern Europe and western Asia, and is widely cultivated in North America as an ornamental tree. It grows best in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The tree can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay and sand. It is hardy in USDA zones 4-7.

Question and Answer

Q: How fast does the Silver Linden grow?

A: The tree grows at a moderate pace, typically reaching a height of 30-40 feet after 20 years.

Q: When should I prune my Silver Linden?

A: Prune the tree in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.

Q: Can the Silver Linden be grown in a container?

A: It is possible to grow the tree in a container, but it will not reach its full size and may require more frequent watering and fertilization.

Q: Are the Silver Linden’s leaves poisonous?

A: No, the leaves are not poisonous to humans or animals.

Related Plants

• Tilia Cordata (Littleleaf Linden)
• Tilia Americana (American Linden)
• Tilia Platyphyllos (Large-leaved Linden)

References

• “Tilia Tomentosa.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=f220. Accessed 30 Aug. 2021.
• “Tilia Tomentosa Petiolaris.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/12242/i-Tilia-tomentosa-i-Petiolaris/Details. Accessed 30 Aug. 2021.
• “Silver Linden.” The Morton Arboretum, www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/silver-linden. Accessed 30 Aug. 2021.