Tilia cordata, the Small-leaved Lime or Small-leaved Linden is a tree native to much of Europe, including southern Britain north to about Durham.

It grows to 20-35 m tall, with a trunk up to 1-1.5 m diameter. The leaves are rounded to triangular-ovate, 4-8 cm long and broad, mostly hairless (unlike the related Tilia platyphyllos) except for small tufts of brown hair in the leaf vein axils. The small yellow-green flowers are produced in early summer, have a rich, heavy scent; the trees are much visited by bees.

Cultivation, uses and symbolism

Tilia cordata is widely grown as an ornamental tree throughout its native range in Europe. It was much planted to form avenues in 17th and early 18th century landscape planning. A famous example is Unter den Linden in Berlin.

It is the national tree of the Czech Republic.

It is also widely cultivated in North America as a substitute for the native American Linden (Tilia americana) which has a larger leaf, coarser in texture; there it is usually called Little-leaf Linden.

A valuable monofloral honey is produced by bees using the trees.

The white, finely-grained wood is a classic choice for refined woodcarvings such as those by Grinling Gibbons.

Malvaceae

Lípa malolistá | Småbladet Lind | Winterlinde | Tilleul à petites feuilles | Wanterlann | Kleinbladige linde | Metsälehmus | Lind | Липа серцелиста | 小叶椴