Tilia x europaea (Common lime)

Botanical name

Tilia x europaea

Other names

Common lime, Tilia intermedia, Tilia x vulgaris, European lime, European linden

Genus

Tilia Tilia

Species

T. x europaea - T. x europaea is a broadly columnar, deciduous tree with oval to rounded, dark green leaves, paler beneath, and clusters of pale yellow flowers in midsummer followed by dry, nut-like fruit.

Foliage

Deciduous

Fragrance

Flowers are fragrant.

Habit

Broadly columnar, Tall

Colour

Flower

Pale-yellow in Summer

Foliage

Dark-green, 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. Often produces suckers at the base and from burrs; remove these every two-three years by cutting back to the trunk in early spring.

Propagation

Chip budding is the best method for propagation. Seed may need a cold period of 3-5 months for germination to occur. Garden-collected seed may yields hybrids of variable quality.

Propagation methods

Budding, Layering, Seed

Monthly care advice

Where to grow

Tilia x europaea (Common lime) will reach a height of 35m and a spread of 15m after 20-50 Years.

Suggested uses

Architectural, Cottage/Informal, Low Maintenance, Specimen tree, Wildlife

Cultivation

Plant in any alkaline or neutral, moist or well-drained. Will tolerate acid soils. Avoid dry conditions or 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

South, East, West

Exposure

Sheltered

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

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 12, Zone 11, Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Tilia x europaea (Common 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 #2

Plant name

Tilia x europaea (Common 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 #3

Plant name

Tilia x europaea (Common 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/