American basswood (Tilia americana)
Family: Tiliaceae
Categories |
Images |
|---|---|
| Form:
This is a medium sized tree reaching from 75 – 100 ft. in height and 2 -3 ft in dbh. |
|
|
Leaves: [if 789 not_equals=””] Shape: broadly ovate; inequilateral[/if 100] Margin: serrate Texture: glabrous Variation: pinnate |
|
| Bark:
The bark is greenish when young, but dark gray with shallow furrows when older. |
|
| Twigs and Buds:
The twig is greenish red and zigzags. It normally lacks terminal buds. |
|
| Flowers and Fruit:
The fruit is ovid, tomentose, and nutlike. It forms in a cluster attached to leaf base somewhat like a “fishing lure”. |
|
| Distinguishing Characteristics:
Look for the “fishing lure” looking fruit and the reniform leaf that has an inequilateral base. Also, look for it growing with several main stems even when older. |
|
| Range:
Maine west to Minnesota south to north Arkansas and east to western North Carolina. |
|
| Silvics:
It is tolerant of shade and prefers moist to mesic upland sites. |
|
| Ecological and Cultural Importance:
It is an important wood producer in the northern hardwood stands of the Great Lakes region. It is browsed by white tailed deer and wood ducks use tree cavities for nesting. |
