Large-leaved lime is a plant species native to Europe. Ironically, it grows in soils rich in the mineral called lime. This species’ scientific name, Tilia platyphyllos, means “broad leaves.” It is widely cultivated around the world as an ornamental tree, often planted in parks and city streets because of its hardy, versatile nature. Wood from the large-leaved lime is used for carving. It is an old species: its fossilized remains have been found in Turkey from the Pliocene epoch.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Tilia platyphyllos, the large-leaved lime or large-leaved linden, is a species of flowering plant in the family Malvaceae (Tiliaceae). It is a deciduous tree, native to much of continental Europe as well as southwestern Great Britain, growing on lime-rich soils. The common names largeleaf linden and large-leaved linden are in standard use throughout the English-speaking world except in the British Isles, where it is known as large-leaved lime. The name “lime”, possibly a corruption of “line” originally from “lind”, has been in use for centuries and also attaches to other species of Tilia. It is not, however, closely related to the lime fruit tree, a species of citrus.
The specific epithet platyphyllos (greek: πλατύφυλλος) means in greek “with broad leaves”.
Tilia platyphyllos is a narrowly domed tree with a moderate growth rate, and can eventually attain a height of 40 metres (130 ft). The reddish-brown young stems later develop dark grey bark with fine fissures and furrows. The branches spread upwards at wide angles. The twigs are reddish-green and slightly pubescent.
The foliage consists of simple, alternately arranged leaves. As indicated by its common name, this tree has larger leaves than the related Tilia cordata (small-leaved lime), 6 to 9 cm (exceptionally 15 cm). They are ovate to cordate, mid to dark green above and below, with white downy hair on the underside, particularly along the veins, tapering into a mucronate tip. The margin is sharply serrate, and the base cordate; the venation is pinnate along a midrib. The pubescent petiole is usually 3–4 cm long, but can vary between 1.5–5 cm. The autumn foliage is yellow-green to yellow.
The small, fragrant, yellowish-white flowers are arranged in drooping, cymose clusters in groups of 3 to 4. Their whitish-green, leaf-like bracts have an oblong-ovate shape. The geniculate peduncles are between 1.5–3 cm long. The hermaphroditic flowers have 5 sepals and 5 tepals, numerous stamens, but no staminodes. The superior ovary is 2–10 locular with one smooth style. The flowers are pollinated by bees and some butterflies, notably the White-letter Hairstreak. The fruit is a fat, round, tomentose, cream-colored nutlet with a diameter of 1 cm or less. It has a woody shell with 3–5 ridges.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Large-leaved lime trees like plenty of sunlight and ideally should receive 3-6 hours of light per day. You can plant it somewhere outdoors with sufficient sunlight, such as the sunny side of a house. Sufficient sunlight promotes tree photosynthesis and is conducive to its growth. Large-leaved lime can also grow normally in partial shade, but too little light will reduce the number of flowers or even prevent blooming. Seedlings and saplings are more shade-tolerant. You can add a shade net in summer to protect small trees from too-strong light.
Temperature
Large-leaved lime trees prefer to live in a mild, moist environment and are very cold-hardy. The tree needs to be kept well-hydrated in moist soil for growth. However, it does not tolerate waterlogging. If living in standing water for a long time, the tree can lose leaves or its roots can rot. It will also grow poorly in arid and swampy areas.
Watering
Large-leaved lime thrives in the temperate climates where it naturally experiences seasonal rainfall. This species exhibits a preference for consistent moisture but is capable of tolerating short dry periods. Its water habits can be described as moderately drought-tolerant, requiring hydration once every three weeks to maintain its vigor. Large-leaved lime is predominantly an outdoor plant, and given its deciduous nature, it’s important to adjust watering during its growing season to accommodate increased water needs.
Soil
Large-leaved lime has a deep and wide root system and grows best in deep, fertile, well-drained soil. The trees will not grow well in poor soils or waterlogged, non-aerated, clay soils. If the soil is clay-like, add coarse sand to improve its water permeability. The tree prefers alkaline to neutral soils, and can also grow in slightly acidic soils. However, it cannot grow in marshes or saline soils.
Fertilizing
For large-leaved lime, use balanced nutrition fertilizers to encourage robust growth and lush foliage. Apply fertilizer biannually, in spring and late summer, matching the plant’s growth cycle. Sprinkle granules around the base, following the label’s recommended quantity, avoiding direct contact with the trunk to prevent burn. Reduced feeding is advised as winter approaches. Always water large-leaved lime thoroughly after fertilizing to distribute nutrients. Regular fertilization maintains vigor and enhances resilience against pests and diseases.
Pruning
To keep the large-leaved lime trunk straight, start cutting lateral branches and one-third of the branches growing upward during the first winter or the spring of the second year after planting. Stop when the trunk height reaches 5 to 6 m. Every spring, completely cut off new shoots and branches that sprout near the ground on the trunk as early as possible.
Otherwise, these buds can consume too many nutrients and negatively affect trunk growth.
To shape the canopy nicely, prune the trees in winter. Cut overgrown lateral branches, thin the overcrowded branches, and completely cut off diseased and dry branches. To control the overgrowth of lateral branches growing to 20 cm, remove their top buds in early summer.
Propagation
Large-leaved lime, a deciduous tree valued for its aesthetic appeal and fragrant flowers, responds well to propagation by seed. Successful germination typically requires that seeds undergo stratification, which simulates winter conditions. After stratification, seeds should be sown in well-drained, fertile soil and kept consistently moist, allowing them to establish robust root systems. Once seedlings reach a suitable size, they can be carefully transplanted to their final growing location, ensuring ample space for mature growth.
Transplanting
The ideal season to transplant large-leaved lime is between late summer and early autumn (S4-S5), when the plant is in a dormant state, thus enhancing successful relocation. Preferring sunny to partially shaded spots, ensure a well-drained, fertile location for large-leaved lime. Remember, consistency in after-care practices also plays a pivotal role!
III. Uses and Benefits
- Ornamental uses
One of the most popular landscaping and ornamental trees in temperate regions, large-leaved lime is known for its tall stature, rich crown, deep shade, and extra fragrant, sweet early summer blooms that are highly attractive to bees. It is very tolerant of pruning and can even be grown as a hedge (although this practice is rare). It is ideal as a shade, lawn, or street tree.
- Medicinal uses
The plant also contains tannins that can act as an astringent. The wood is burned to charcoal and ingested for intestinal disorders and used topically for edema or infection, such as cellulitis or of the lower leg.
- Other uses
Tilia wood is used for carving, and almost all parts of the tree can be used for fodder, ropes or firewood. Bast and honey, which were historically the main products of Tilia, may have been an important factor in the spread of the species and its status as a typical agroforestry tree in the Middle Ages. Tilia spp. are also important for amenity use, shelterbelts and game plantings in the open landscape, in urban areas and recreational forestry.
