Carolina Basswood

Tilia caroliniana

Basic Information

Family: Tiliaceae

Genus: tilia

Plant ID (slug): tilia-caroliniana

Numeric ID: 23926

USDA Hardiness: 6-9

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Tilia caroliniana is a deciduous Tree growing to 20 m (65ft 7in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 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 Insects. 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.

Distribution

South-eastern N. America - Virginia to Florida, west to Texas.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Tea Young leaves - raw[K]. A tea is made from the flowers. A very good chocolate substitute is made from a paste of the ground fruits and flowers[2]. Trials on marketing the product failed because the paste decomposes readily[2].

Medicinal Uses

Antispasmodic Diaphoretic Sedative A tea made from the flowers is antispasmodic, diaphoretic and sedative[226].