American Basswood

Tilia americana

Foliage Type:

leaf

Arrangement:

simple, alternate

Distinguishing features: broadly ovate or nearly round leaves, heart-shaped uneven base leaves large 5-10 inches, sawtoothed with a long petiole bark dark and shallowly grooved on older trees, smooth gray on young trees often found in a circular grouping or multistemed group

Habitats:	dry mesic sites mesic sites wet mesic sites
Often confused with:
Ecological Value:	buds and fruit eaten by grouse, prairie chickens, quail, squirrels, chipmunks twigs eaten by deer and rabbits important honey plant
Did You Know?	Basswood is an important honey plant. a prolific sprouter and regenerates very quickly. an important soil improver.
Ethnobotanical uses:	inner bark (especially roots) twisted into cords, mats and lines strong, tough bark or bast fibers used for cordage of various sorts Am. Ind. used inner bark tea for lung ailments, heartburn, weak stomach bark poultice to draw out boils leaves, flower and bud tea for nervous headaches, restlessness, painful digestion frequent consumption of flower tea may cause heart damage