American Basswood
Arbor Walk #153, Treekeeper ID #8101
This tree is a grafted clone of the original Basswood which has been growing in Brookings Quad for more than 100 years. It and the Basswoods in the other three corners of the quad were planted recently to commemorate the ubiquitous original tree.
The American Basswood can grow up to 90 feet tall, and it is sometimes referred to as the bee tree due to its plentiful bee population when flowering. Due to its larger leaves and attractive bark, this tree is generally used for ornamental purposes; however, because of its softer, thinner bark, its wood is also commonly used for carvings, furniture and musical instruments. Unfortunately, this also means that the wood is more sensitive to fire damage, as well as more susceptible to rotting.
| Common Name(s) | American Basswood, American Linden |
|---|---|
| Latin Name | Tilia americana |
| Indigenous Name(s) | Miami: wiikapimiši; Ho-Chunk: Hįįšgé |
| Cultivar/Variety | ‘Brookings’ |
| Commercial Name |
Global Distribution
GPS Coordinates
N/A
Percent Concrete
N/A
Distance to Buildings
| Year | Close Building #1 | Close Building #2 | Close Building #3 |
|---|---|---|---|
Distance to Other Species
| Year | Close Species #1 | Close Species # 2 | Close Species # 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
Standard Measurements
| Year | Height (m) | DBH (cm) | Crown Diameter N-S (m) | Crown Diameter E-W (m) | Average Crown Diameter (m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nests and Pests
| Year | Description |
|---|---|
Leaf Identification
The leaves of the American Basswood have a distinctive asymmetrical heart (cordate) shape with uneven bases and tapering abruptly into a pointed tip. The margin of the leaf is serrated. The underside of the leaf is pale green with noticeably raised pinnate veins and tufts of tiny hairs at the vein intersections (axils). Leaves are alternately arranged and reach 4″ to 8″ long.
Twig and Bud Identification
The twigs of the American Basswood are slender, somewhat zigzag, and green to red in color with some lenticils. This tree has distinct buds that are often described as being “humpback” since one side typically bulges disproportionately. Furthermore, the buds typically have 2-3 bud scales that are a reddish color and have a false terminal bud.
Bark Identification
On younger American Basswoods, the bark is smooth and green to gray; however, as the tree matures, it develops long, narrow ridges and furrows that are dark grey in color.
Fruit Identification
The fruit of the American Basswood appear in distinct clusters of small, rounded nutlets on a stalk that hang from narrow, elliptical, winged bracts. The purpose of the bracts is to help increase dispersion by acting as a sail. The fruit typically ripens in late fall and will sometimes remain on the tree until early winter.
[photo forthcoming]
Flower Identification
The flowers of the American Basswood are pale yellow and hang in hairless long-stalked clusters. The flowers typically have 5 petals and are well-known for their fragrance. Furthermore, the flowers usually appear in May or June and are monoecious.
