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Description
Tilia Platyphyllos, also known as the Broad-Leaved Lime Tree, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Tiliaceae family. It is native to Europe and western Asia and is commonly found in forests, parks, and gardens. The tree can grow up to 40 meters in height and has a broad crown that provides ample shade in the summer months. It blooms in late spring to early summer with fragrant pale yellow flowers that attract bees and other pollinators.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Tiliaceae |
| Genus | Tilia |
Appearance
The Broad-Leaved Lime Tree has a distinctive appearance. It has a tall, straight trunk with a grayish-brown bark that becomes deeply furrowed as it ages. The leaves are large, heart-shaped, and have serrated edges. They are a vibrant green color in the summer and turn yellow in the autumn before falling off. The flowers grow in clusters and are pale yellow in color. The fruit of the tree is a small, round nut-like structure that is covered in a hard, woody shell.
Care Guide
Proper care is essential for the health and longevity of the Broad-Leaved Lime Tree. Here are some tips:
Water
The tree requires regular watering, especially during the hot summer months. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilization
Fertilizing the tree once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer will help promote healthy growth.
Soil
The tree prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, but it does best in slightly acidic to neutral soil.
Sunlight
The Broad-Leaved Lime Tree prefers full sun to partial shade. It should be planted in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones
The tree can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and is hardy to USDA Zones 3 to 7.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Broad-Leaved Lime Tree is susceptible to a few pests and diseases:
Pests
- Aphids
- Scales
- Caterpillars
Diseases
- Leaf spot
- Powdery mildew
- Verticillium wilt
Habitat
The Broad-Leaved Lime Tree is native to Europe and western Asia and is commonly found in forests, parks, and gardens. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. It is a popular ornamental tree in many parts of the world and is often planted in urban areas for its shade and aesthetic value.
Question and Answer
Q: How long does it take for the Broad-Leaved Lime Tree to grow?
A: The tree can grow up to 40 meters in height and can take up to 40 years to reach maturity.
Q: What is the lifespan of the Broad-Leaved Lime Tree?
A: The tree can live for up to 300 years.
Q: Can the Broad-Leaved Lime Tree be grown in a container?
A: While it is possible to grow the tree in a container, it is not recommended due to its large size and deep root system.
Q: What is the best time of year to prune the Broad-Leaved Lime Tree?
A: The best time to prune the tree is in the late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Related Plants
- Tilia Cordata (Little Leaf Linden)
- Tilia Americana (American Linden)
- Tilia Tomentosa (Silver Linden)
References
- “Tilia platyphyllos.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed July 28, 2021. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a172.
- “Tilia platyphyllos.” The Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed July 28, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/58028/Tilia-platyphyllos/Details.
- “Broad-Leaved Lime.” Woodland Trust. Accessed July 28, 2021. https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/broad-leaved-lime/.
