Description
Basswood is a common southern Ontario tree with large, heart-shaped leaves that have toothed edges and a short point. The family that Basswood belongs to also includes Linden trees.
The twigs have a noticeable zigzag appearance.
The fragrant yellow flowers and round grayish-brown fruit hang from the centre of a leaf-like bract. When released, the bract acts like a helicopter wing and carries the seeds away in a breeze. Bees love basswood flowers because they bloom in midsummer, when few other trees are in bloom.
The bark is gray-brown with long narrow ridges.
Basswood is ideal for carving, as it doesn’t splinter easily. It is used for carving puppets and musical instruments because it is strong, yet light and fine-grained.
When the conditions are right, Tilia/Basswood trees can live exceptionally long, with the oldest surviving trees being claimed to be around 2000 years old.
| Basswood Facts and Features | |
| Mature Size | 20-40 m (65-130 ft) |
| Sun/Shade | Full Sun/Partial Shade |
| Moisture | Prefers moist soils |
| Soil | Prefers rich and well-drained soil |
| Flowers | Yes. In mid-summer. |
| Fruit | No |
| Special Features | Lightweight, durable wood. |
