Fauna
Plant

Little-leaf Linden

Tilia cordata

Also known as Small-leaved Lime, Littleleaf Linden, Small-leaved Linden, European Linden

Little-leaf lindens are deciduous trees famous for their heart-shaped leaves, dense pyramidal crowns, and intensely sweet-smelling summer blossoms. During early summer, fragrant pale-yellow flowers bloom in small clusters attached to unique ribbon-like bracts that later help scatter seed pods on the wind. Widely planted in city parks and along streets, these long-lived trees tolerate air pollution and compacted soils remarkably well while providing vital nectar for honeybees.

DeciduousFragrantUrban Tree
Little-leaf Linden reference1 / 7
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (Photosynthesis)
Predators
  • Aphids
  • Japanese beetles
  • White-tailed deer
ThreatsPest infestations like aphids and Japanese beetles, extreme prolonged drought
HabitatsTemperate deciduous forests, parklands, urban streets
Life span100–500 years
Classification
  1. OrderMalvales
  2. FamilyMalvaceae
  3. GenusTilia
  4. SpeciesTilia cordata
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Spotting blossoms: Look for pale yellow flower clusters hanging beneath leafy green bracts in midsummer.
  • Listening for pollinators: Stand near a tree in full bloom to hear hundreds of foraging bees overhead.
  • Examining leaves: Check the leaf underside for tiny tufts of reddish hair in the vein axils.
Related species
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