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Being one of the most common types of trees, linden looks very natural not only in gardens, but also within the city. It seems to remind us that before man, the planet was a solid green massif. Meanwhile, linden flowers are an ingredient in medicinal recipes, attract honey plants, and the tree serves as a natural filter.
Description of linden
There are more than 40 species of linden trees. Among them are both tall trees and shrubs. They belong to the Malvaceae family. The lifespan of some species is 1000 years.
Linden branches have oval or heart-shaped leaves. Their edges are dotted with jagged edges, and arcuate veins can be observed in the middle part of the plate. After the buds swell, stipules appear, which fall off a few days after opening. At the base of the leaves there is usually a nectary.
The crown of the tree is green, which changes to yellow in the autumn months.
The flowers have a yellowish or beige tint, collected in inflorescences. The stamens are united into groups consisting of five bundles.During the flowering period, which occurs at the age of 20, the linden tree emits a sweet aroma that attracts beneficial insects. Flowers remain viable for 20 days.
All linden trees have a well-developed root system that grows deep into the soil. The foliage falls in mid to late autumn. The average lifespan is 500 years, but some species grow for 10 centuries or more. The older the tree, the taller it becomes. The trunk diameter can be about 4-6 m, height – 45 m. Linden has a round, oval or triangular crown. The shoots are densely located, regardless of shape.
The branches of young linden have a red tint. The bark is very smooth, yellowish or brown. Mature trees are darker. Their trunks are covered with wounds left by birds and insects.
Varieties of linden for the garden with photos
There are dozens of species of linden. Unfortunately, not all of them get along in Russia. Below are the popular varieties that can be found in the forests and parks of the middle zone.
Ordinary
The common variety (Tilia europaea) appeared as a result of cross-pollination of other species of linden - small-leaved and large-leaved. The tree has inherited the best parental qualities. The flowering period begins in the last days of May. The structure of the inflorescences is closer to its small-leaved relative.
Linden has smooth leaves, which at the beginning of summer are filled with sweet juice, which attracts honey plants
From the description of the common linden, it is easy to guess that it is used in apiaries. The culture is perfectly adapted to Russian frosts.Any level of lighting is preferred and does not suffer from gases typical of cities. Another advantage is tolerance to drought and dust.
Small-leaved (heart-shaped)
The small-leaved or heart-shaped species (Tilia cordata) received its name due to the characteristics of the leaf blade. Life expectancy depends on external conditions and can be more than 400 years. The tree copes well with heat and tolerates strong winds and frosts.
Trunk height is limited to 30 m
The crown is spreading and resembles a tent from the outside. The branches located at the top are directed towards the sun, the middle shoots occupy a horizontal position, and the lower ones hang down like a willow crown. The foliage is small, the average length is 4 cm. The outer side has a glossy surface, the back has a matte surface. The leaves are heart-shaped with a pointed end.
In early summer, the tree produces panicles containing up to eight flowers. After two months, the linden forms nuts and seeds necessary for reproduction.
large-leaved
The large-leaved tree (Tilia Platyphyllos) shares many features with the small-leaved linden. The main difference is the size of the leaf blade, as well as the winter hardiness of the crop. The species is less adapted to the Russian climate. It can be found in countries close to the equator.
Large-leaved linden belongs to the giants. Its trunk rises to the sky up to 45 m or more. The diameter can be 90-100 cm. The foliage is covered with denticles and has a length of up to 15 cm. There is fluff on the back side.
On average, the species lives 500 years
In summer, inflorescences are formed on the triangular crown, including three flowers. They are not as large as those of the small-leaved species. Flowering is identical - about 20 days.A large-leaved tree grows in fertile soil. As the linden grows, its composition improves: the leaves that fall in autumn quickly rot, becoming fertilizer. Therefore, they try to plant the tree near shade-loving plants.
Manchurian
Manchurian linden (Tilia mandshurica) is a relatively compact variety, reaching 18 m in height. In the natural environment it can be found in Russian forests and China. Prefers places with moist soil.
The tree is classified as a winter-hardy species and can grow in the shade.
The Manchurian linden has a very dense crown. It is decorated with large leaves, up to 30 cm in length. The flowers are also very large, collected in groups of 11 pieces.
Caucasian
The Caucasian variety (Tilia caucasica) grows in moist environments exclusively in fertile areas. As the name implies, linden can be found in the Caucasus. Also, a significant part of the forests of Crimea is made up of this species. It grows up to 38 m, the diameter of the trunk is 150 cm.
The Caucasian linden has large leaves that are light green in color. There is pubescence on the upper side, which is not present on the lower side.
Young branches are distinguished by their red hue and small size
The flowering period is discreet - about a month. Begins in the first days of summer and ends in July. The flowers are voluminous and fluffy, hanging to the ground. In their place, fruits are formed. There are several viable seeds inside.
European
The European species (Tilia europaea) lives shorter than the others - 120-140 years. It grows in Western countries; individual specimens can be found in Russia. The dimensions of the linden indicate the powerful structure of the roots.
It has green, heart-shaped leaves. The back side has a matte surface, while the outside is glossy.
The linden tree is wide enough to turn the forest into an impassable area
The bark of young specimens is dark brown, becoming grayish over time.
Silver
The silver species (Tilia tomentosa) has a significant difference from the others. The back side of the foliage is silver. The linden has another name - felt, which was given to it because of the dense pubescence of the shoots. The leaves reach 6-9 cm in length.
In mid-summer, the edges of the leaf blades curl up, revealing the reverse silver side.
The foliage does not turn yellow, but dries out. At the beginning of winter it may remain on the branches. The flowers are small and have a golden hue. Young shoots are covered with villi, which disappear as they grow. The bark of the tree also changes, changing color to dark.
American (black)
American linden (Tilia americana) grows in America, most often in its northern part. The species has a beautiful trunk and crown. Leaves are dark green. Flowers appear in early summer.
The tree is resistant to heat and frost, can grow in the shade and in the light
Amurskaya
The Amur species (Tilia amurensis) can be found in the Amur region, as well as in Primorye. The bark of young linden trees is light brown. Over time, cracks appear on its surface. The wood of mature trees has a rough structure with a large number of dimples and depressions.
The flowering period begins in the first week of June. Fruits appear in three months
Siberian
Siberian linden (Tilia siberica) is medium-sized, reaching about 25 m in height.Mature trees have a straight, thick trunk from which brown branches of various sizes extend. The Siberian species is common in Siberia. Flowering dates occur in July, which is much later than other representatives of the genus.
Fruit formation affects the autumn period
Japanese
This variety is classified as low-growing; the linden reaches no more than 16 m in height. The Japanese variety (Tilia japonica) has a thin trunk and a dense crown. The wood is brown. While the plant is young, it is smooth. The foliage has an oval structure and a dark green color. In autumn it turns yellow and then falls off.
Japanese linden flowers are pinkish in color.
Spreading
In the city limits, linden can be found everywhere. As for the wild environment, the culture is widespread in North America, Finland, Norway, western Europe, the Caucasus, and Russia. Among the tree species inhabiting the territory of the Far East, linden is the only species with wide leaves.
The tree can grow in different soils and climates. However, the optimal conditions are warm weather and nutrient-filled soil. Most species prefer wet areas, for example, with high rainfall, low groundwater levels, and near rivers.
Conclusion
The linden tree looks impressive due to its size and voluminous crown. The plant can be found in the western hemisphere, although many grow it in the eastern hemisphere. Wood is a natural filter, which is why it has become widespread in cities. Useful decoctions and infusions are prepared from the flowers of all types of linden trees.
