Linden (Tilia)

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Introduction

A tree known by many names and for its many uses, Tilia americana is a medium to large deciduous broadleaf native to southeast New Brunswick and naturalized in parts of Nova Scotia and D'Laniger Peninsula. An important tree to a variety of animals, including Luperci, several of its parts can be harvested for a multitude of uses. Courtesy of its propensity to produce plenty of sap, it is incredibly valuable to bees, among other pollinators, and ants will form mutualistic relationships with aphids who feed on it. The American Linden's wood, which is fine-grained and soft, is relatively easy to harvest and the tree will respond to coppicing, especially when young, as it will readily send out new shoots from its base if its trunk is cut or damaged.

  • Toxicity: Non-Toxic
The entirety of this tree is considered non-toxic and non-lethal to canines. However, regular ingestion of tea made from the flowers is noted to potentially cause heart damage.


American Linden

Appearance
Information
  • Species: Tilia americana
  • Common Names: American Basswood, American Lime, Bee-tree, Bast-tree, Whitewood
  • Description:
American Lindens can reach heights of 60–120ft (18–37m) and widths of 3–5ft (1–1.5m) when mature. Young trees appear conical in shape but their domes gradually round out as they age and branches take on a more spreading, pendulous growth pattern. The leaves of the American Linden are a rich green during the growing season and are often marred with red bugle galls. Its yellow, fragrant flowers bloom in the summer months, leaving behind a light tan nutlet attached to a pale green bracht. As autumn approaches, the leaves turn yellow or brown before falling.
  • Habitat: Common
Prefers rich, well-drained, loamy soils in upland mesic areas (such as mesic ravines).
Locations:
  • Although it is native only to southeastern New Brunswick, the American Linden (and other Tilia species) was a popular specimen tree during the time of man and frequently planted along streets. As such, while it will be much more common throughout the Saint Croix Highlands and Wabanaki Coast, it can be found easily throughout the majority of the greater 'Souls territory. However, owing to its sensitivity to salt, specimens may be damaged or non-existent along coastlines.

Uses
Medicinal
  • Part: Bark, Flowers, Leaves, Roots
  • Usage (oral): Astringent; diuretic (bark); anti-inflammatory, sedative, reduces nerves, soothes stomachaches, decongestant (flowers); reduces fever, soothes headaches and sore throats (flowers, leaves); dewormer (roots)
  • Usage (topical): Anti-inflammatory, soothes burns (bark, leaves)
Other
  • Part: Wood
  • Usage: Woodworking (woodenware, furniture, wood carvings); natural fibers (inner bark) for use as thread or to weave into nets, mats, rope, and clothing
  • Part: Sap
  • Usage: A sweet, refreshing beverage when taken directly from the tree; it can also be boiled down to a syrup
Visual References
American Linden leaf by Wikimedia Commons American Linden flowers by Anita Gould@Flickr American Linden leaves with bracts and nutlets by Dan Keck@Flickr American Linden bark by Wikimedia Commons


'Souls

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Additional Resources


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