- Partial Shade to Full Sun (At Least 3 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 60 - 80 Feet
- Mature Spread 30 - 60 Feet
- Growing Zones 3 - 8
For a showy deciduous tree, the American Basswood is a high contender. Also known as Tilia americana, it produces attractive heart-shaped leaves and fragrant yellow flowers. Fast growing, this tree can grow to a final size of 60 to 80 feet tall. This makes an attractive tree for shade and street planting.
As a deciduous tree, the foliage of the American Basswood briefly turns yellow before falling. It develops a large branching structure that is perfect for providing shade. Furthermore, pollinators love the scented flowers that open in early summer. Native to Central and Northeastern North America, the American Basswood is suitable for growing in zones 3 to 8.
American Basswood Plant Care
As a medium-sized tree, care must be taken when planting the American Basswood to make sure no overhead lines or structural overhangs will be affected as it matures. Regular watering is required on planting and for the first two seasons at least to help it become established. It prefers a neutral to slightly acidic soil, and will struggle if grown in a highly alkaline soil. To help lock in moisture and suppress weeds you can mulch around the base of the tree.
You can prune the American Basswood when it is young to help form a pleasing branch network. When mature, any pruning is best performed in late winter as the tree breaks dormancy. If any suckers appear at the base of the tree, you can cut them away with a clean and sharp pair of pruners.
American Basswood Plant Spacing
As a large and fast-growing tree, the American Basswood requires plenty of space to mature. You will want to plant this tree around 40 to 50 feet away from other specimens. Shade-loving perennials can make great underplanting companions.
American Basswood Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 - 8 |
Plant Type: Trees |
Light Exposure: Partial Shade to Full Sun (At Least 3 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 60 - 80 Feet |
Mature Spread: 30 - 60 Feet |
Spacing: 40 - 50 Feet |
Habit: Upright |
Flower Color(s): Yellow |
Flower Description: |
Bloom Period: Spring and Summer |
Foliage Type: Deciduous |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: |
Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Deer, Rabbit, Disease, Pests & Insects |
Tolerates: Heat, Drought |
Attracts: Bees, Birds, Butterflies |
Container Role: |
Uses: Erosion Control, Wildlife Gardens |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Low Maintenance, Native to North America |
Brand: |
Common Name: American Basswood |
Other Name(s): |
Scientific Name: Tilia americana |
- SKU:
- 1231014831-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
For more detailed information, please click here.
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Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.