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Description
Tilia Tomentosa, commonly known as the Silver Linden or the Turkish Linden, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Tilia genus. It is native to southeastern Europe and western Asia and is widely cultivated in parks and gardens for its ornamental value.The tree can grow up to 40 meters in height with a trunk diameter of 1.5 meters. It has a pyramidal shape with a broad, dense crown and a straight trunk. The bark is smooth and grayish-brown when young, but as it ages, it becomes deeply furrowed and develops ridges and furrows. The leaves are heart-shaped, dark green on top, and silvery-white underneath, giving the tree its common name.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Tilia |
Appearance
Tilia Tomentosa has a distinct appearance that sets it apart from other trees. Its leaves are large, heart-shaped, and asymmetrical, with serrated edges. The upper side of the leaves is dark green and glossy, while the underside is silvery-white and hairy, which gives the tree its characteristic silver color and makes it stand out in any landscape.The flowers of the Silver Linden are small, yellowish-white, and fragrant. They bloom in late spring or early summer, and the tree attracts bees and other pollinators. The fruit of the tree is a small, round nutlet that is enclosed in a woody, ribbed capsule.
Care Guide
Tilia Tomentosa is a hardy tree that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for this tree:Water: The tree prefers moist, well-draining soil. Water it regularly during the growing season, especially during hot and dry weather.Fertilization: Fertilize the tree in early spring with a slow-release fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers.Soil: The tree grows best in loamy, well-draining soil. It can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels, from acidic to alkaline.Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun or partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but may not flower as profusely.Hardiness Zones: Tilia Tomentosa is hardy in USDA zones 4-7.
Common Pests & Diseases
Like all plants, Tilia Tomentosa is susceptible to certain pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common ones:Pests: Aphids, Japanese beetles, spider mites, and scale insects can all feed on the leaves and sap of the tree, causing damage and weakening the tree.Diseases: Verticillium wilt, powdery mildew, and leaf spot can all affect the tree, causing discoloration, leaf drop, and other symptoms.To prevent pests and diseases, keep the tree healthy by watering and fertilizing it properly and monitoring it regularly for signs of damage.
Habitat
Tilia Tomentosa is native to southeastern Europe and western Asia, where it grows in deciduous forests and on hillsides. It prefers moist, well-draining soil and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions.Today, the tree is widely cultivated in parks and gardens throughout the world for its ornamental value. It is a popular shade tree that provides habitat and food for wildlife.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Tilia Tomentosa a good tree for urban areas?
A: Yes, Tilia Tomentosa is a good tree for urban areas because it is hardy, tolerates pollution, and provides shade and habitat for wildlife.Q: Can Tilia Tomentosa be grown in a container?
A: While it is possible to grow Tilia Tomentosa in a container, it is not recommended because the tree can grow quite large and needs deep, well-draining soil to thrive.Q: What is the best time of year to prune Tilia Tomentosa?
A: The best time to prune Tilia Tomentosa is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Pruning at this time will help stimulate new growth and promote a healthy, bushy tree.Q: Does Tilia Tomentosa attract wildlife?
A: Yes, Tilia Tomentosa attracts wildlife such as bees, butterflies, and birds because of its fragrant flowers and abundant foliage.
Related Plants
Other species in the Tilia genus include:
- Tilia Americana (American Linden)
- Tilia Cordata (Littleleaf Linden)
- Tilia Platyphyllos (Large-leaved Linden)
References
- “Tilia Tomentosa.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287222&isprofile=1&basic=tom
- “Silver Linden.” The Morton Arboretum. https://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/silver-linden
- “Tilia Tomentosa – Silver Linden.” University of Connecticut Plant Database. https://hort.uconn.edu/detail.php?pid=464
