Quick answer: Littleleaf linden is a dense, formal shade tree for USDA zones 3–7 that grows 50–60 ft tall and 35–50 ft wide in full sun to part shade. Buy it for a neat, pyramidal canopy, heavy shade and fragrant June flowers that bees love. Japanese beetles are its main weakness.
Why grow Littleleaf Linden
- The nectar-rich early summer flowers are heavily visited by bees, which make linden honey, plus butterflies and hummingbirds
- Yellow-green to yellow fall color
Littleleaf Linden at a glance
| Botanical name | Tilia cordata |
|---|---|
| Plant type | Deciduous tree |
| USDA hardiness zones | 3–7 |
| Mature height | 50–60 ft |
| Mature spread | 35–50 ft |
| Sunlight | Full sun to part shade |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Growth rate | Medium |
| Pollination | No second plant needed |
| Fall color | Yellow-green to yellow |
| Ships as | Dormant bare-root plant, 18–24 in or 2–3 ft |
| Can't ship to | AK, HI |
Pollination
Flowers have both male and female parts and are pollinated mainly by bees, so one tree is enough.
Planting and care
- Sun: Grows in full sun to partial shade.
- Soil: Prefers well-drained loam and does not tolerate wet soil.
- Pruning: Prune in late winter to remove dead or crossing branches and suckers from the base.
- Pests and diseases: Japanese beetles are the most serious pest; aphids (with sticky honeydew), spider mites, leaf spots and canker also occur.
Step-by-step bare-root planting instructions
What arrives and when
Your Littleleaf Linden ships dormant (no leaves) and bare root (no pot or soil) at 18–24 in or 2–3 ft. It may look like a bare stick with roots; that is normal for a dormant plant. Spring shipping runs March 15 to July 30 for all zones, timed to your zone. Fall shipping, November 15 to late February, is for Zones 6–10 only. See the dates for your zone.
We can't ship this plant to: AK, HI.
Covered by our 1-year warranty (store credit; terms apply).
Frequently asked questions
How big does a littleleaf linden get?
Typically 50–60 ft tall and 35–50 ft wide with a dense, pyramidal to oval crown.
When does linden bloom?
Small, very fragrant creamy yellow flowers open in June to early July and attract large numbers of bees.
Do Japanese beetles damage linden trees?
Yes. Japanese beetles can skeletonize the leaves, and heavy infestations have killed mature trees.
Is littleleaf linden native?
No. It is native to Europe; American basswood (Tilia americana) is the native linden.
What soil does a linden tree need?
Well-drained loam with neutral to alkaline pH; it does not tolerate wet soil.
What size is the linden when it ships?
It ships as a dormant bare-root tree with no leaves, in the size you select (18–24 in or 2–3 ft).
Plant facts checked October 2026 against: NC State Extension, UConn.