Tilia cordata (Small-leaved lime)

Botanical name

Tilia cordata

Other names

Small-leaved lime, Small-leaved linden

Genus

Tilia Tilia

Species

T. cordata - T. cordata is a broadly columnar to rounded, deciduous tree with glossy, rounded to heart-shaped, dark green leaves turning yellow in autumn and cymes of fragrant, pale yellow flowers in summer.

Foliage

Deciduous

Fragrance

Flowers are fragrant.

Habit

Broadly columnar, Broadly conical

Colour

Flower

Pale-yellow in Summer

Foliage

Dark-green in Spring; Dark-green in Summer; Yellow in Autumn

How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Aphids , Gall mites , Scale insects

Specific diseases

Phytophthora root diseases

General care

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Propagation

Seed may need a cold period of 3-5 months for germination to occur. Garden-collected seed may yield hybrids of variable quality.

Propagation methods

Seed

Monthly care advice

Where to grow

Tilia cordata (Small-leaved lime) will reach a height of 25m and a spread of 15m after 20-50 Years.

Suggested uses

Architectural, Cottage/Informal, Low Maintenance, Wildlife

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in sun or partial shade. Will tolerate acid conditions. Water in dry periods. Protect from exposure to strong winds.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Sandy

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Soil pH

Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

North, South, East, West

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4, Zone 3

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Tilia cordata (Small-leaved lime)

Common pest name

Japanese long scale; Japanese maple scale; Long scale; Japanese; Pear white scale

Scientific pest name

Lopholeucaspis japonica

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

Regulated only on Citrus at present; regulation on other hosts needs to be considered. Only likely to be a pest under glass in UK.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Tilia cordata (Small-leaved lime)

Common pest name

Lance nematode; Nematode; Lance

Scientific pest name

Hoplolaimus spp.

Type

Nematode

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

Nematode species potentially affecting a wide variety of crops; prohibition of soil likely to mitigate risk substantially; keep under review in light of interceptions or findings should they occur in the EU.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Tilia cordata (Small-leaved lime)

Common pest name

Plum; borer; American

Scientific pest name

Euzophera semifuneralis

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Pest of Prunus; native to North America; which would be damaging if introduced to the UK. Statutory action would be taken against any interceptions and a PRA will help better assess the level of risk to the UK.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/