American Basswood, Carolina basswood, Basswood, AmericanBasswood, American Linden

Tilia americana

Physical Characteristics

Tilia americana is a deciduous Tree growing to 25 m (82ft) by 12 m (39ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in July, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

Central and Eastern N. America - New Brunswick to Florida, west to Texas and Manitoba.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Sap Edible Uses: Chocolate Sweetener Tea Young leaves - raw or cooked[257]. A mild flavour and a tender but mucilaginous texture, they are very nice in salads[K]. The leaves can be cooked as greens[257]. Sap - obtained from next to the bark and used as a refreshing drink[105, 161, 177]. It can also be concentrated into a syrup and used as a sweetener[183]. Flowers - raw. They can be added to salads[183]. The flowers are used as a tea substitute. They are sweet and fragrant[183]. A very good chocolate substitute is made from a paste of the ground fruits and flowers[2, 105, 177, 183]. Trials on marketing the product failed because the paste decomposes readily[2].

Medicinal Uses

Antispasmodic Demulcent Diaphoretic Diuretic Dysentery Ophthalmic Poultice Sedative Vermifuge A tea made from the inner bark is applied to burns - it soothes and softens the skin[213]. It is taken internally in the treatment of lung complaints, dysentery, heart burn and weak stomach[222, 257]. The bark is diuretic[257]. An infusion has been taken to promote urination[257]. A decoction of the bark, mixed with cornmeal, has been used as a poultice to draw out boils[222, 257]. A tea made from the fresh or dried flowers is antispasmodic, diaphoretic and sedative[226]. It is used in the treatment of hypertension, hardening of the arteries, digestive complaints associated with anxiety, feverish colds, respiratory catarrh, migraine etc[238]. Lime flowers are said to develop narcotic properties as they age and so they should only be harvested when freshly opened[238]. An infusion of the leaves has been used as an eyewash[257]. A poultice of the leaves has been used in the treatment of burns and scalds, broken bones and swollen areas[257]. A tea or tincture made from the leaves, flowers and buds has traditionally been used for nervous headaches, restlessness and painful digestion[222]. Use with caution, see notes above on toxicity. A decoction of the roots and the bark has been taken in the treatment of internal haemorrhaging[257]. A decoction of the roots has been used as a vermifuge to rid the body of worms[257].

Known Hazards

Frequent consumption of the tea made from the flowers may cause heart damage[222].