La Tilia cordata It is a species of linden, one of the most common, and why not say so? pretty. Although it is a tree that needs a lot of space to have a good development, that does not mean that it is very interesting.
And it is that, not only does it have an elegant bearing, but also its leaves are of a beautiful color both in spring and summer, and in autumn before falling.
Origin and characteristics
Image - Wikimedia / Waugsberg
Known as wild linden, northern linden, or small-leaved linden, it is a deciduous tree native to Europe, as well as Syria, Turkey, and Lebanon. Reaches a height of 20 to 30 meters, with a more or less straight trunk between 1 and 1,5 meters thick at its base. Its crown is rounded, wide, 6-7 meters, composed of heart-shaped leaves of up to 8 centimeters, green in color except in autumn, which turn yellow before falling.
Blooms in spring / summer. The flowers are small, yellow and green. They are pollinated by bees, and once they do, the tree begins to produce its fruits that are rounded, up to 8mm in diameter that contain an equally small seed.
It is usually hybridized with the Tilia platyphyllos, giving rise to the Tilia x vulgaris.
What are their cares?
Image - Wikimedia / Sten Porse
If you want to have a copy, we recommend that you provide it with the following care:
Location
The wild linden is a tree that has to be abroad, either in full sun or in semi-shade. Now, if you live in an area with high sunshine (such as the Mediterranean for example) it is better that you have it protected from the king star to prevent its leaves from burning.
If you are going to have it in the ground, plant it at a minimum distance of 10 meters from walls, walls, pipes and others, not so much because of its roots (which also) but so that it can develop with total freedom.
Earth
It depends:
- Garden: the land must be fertile, well drained, and preferably acidic, although it tolerates neutral soils.
- Flower pot: use growing medium for acidic plants (for sale here) mixed with 30% perlite (for sale here). But if you live in the Mediterranean, I recommend mixing akadama with 30% kanuma so that its roots are more airy. You have information about these last two substrates here.
Irrigation
Irrigation must be frecuente, especially during hot and dry summers. It does not resist drought, but be careful, neither is it waterlogged. To avoid problems, it is advisable to check the humidity of the soil, so if it is very humid you will know that you will have to wait a few more days to water. How do you do that? Well, there are several ways:
- inserting a thin wooden stick: if when you extract it it comes out with a lot of adhering soil, do not water;
- with a digital moisture meter: it will instantly tell you how wet the soil that has come into contact with it is;
- If you have it in a pot, weighing it once watered and again after a few days: as it will not weigh the same, you will know that when it weighs little is when you have to water.
Use if possible rainwater or lime-free. If you can't get it, fill a basin or bucket with tap water and let it sit overnight. The next day you can use it but being careful not to take the one in the lower half of the container, as it is where the heavy residues such as lime will be.
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Image - Flickr / Andreas Rockstein
From early spring to late summer it is advisable to pay to the Tilia cordata so that it has good growth and better development. For this, you have to use organic fertilizers, because although the (chemical) compounds tend to have a faster effectiveness, they are also dangerous for the environment if they are not used properly.
So so that you do not have problems you can use compost, mulch, egg and / or banana shells, among others such as cow manure. Of course, keep in mind that if you have it in a pot it is preferable that you use liquid fertilizers, since in this way the substrate can continue to filter and drain the water correctly.
Pruning
You don't need it. Maybe remove dead, diseased, weak or broken branches in late winter, but nothing else.
Planting or transplanting time
Late winter, when the minimum temperatures begin to be pleasant, of about 15ºC or something more.
If you have it in a pot, plant it in a larger one every two or three years.
Multiplication
La Tilia cordata multiplies by seeds in fall or spring, which have to be planted in individual pots are substrate for acid plants, and placed outside, in semi-shade.
This way they will germinate in about a month.
Rusticity
Resists up to -18ºC, but it cannot live in tropical climates (at least, the temperature must drop below 0 degrees).
What uses is it given?
Image - Wikimedia / GartenAkademie
Ornamental
The wild or small-leaved linden is a very decorative tree, ideal to have as an isolated specimen or in alignments. It gives good shade and does not require much maintenance if grown in temperate climates.
Culinary and medicinal
The flowers are honey, which means they produce honey. In addition, they are sedative, antispasmodic, sweaty and are also used to strengthen the immune system.
Wood
Linden wood is highly valued for carpentry work.
What did you think of this tree?