Tilia americana

Tilia americana, commonly called American basswood or American linden, is a medium to large deciduous tree which typically grows to 15-25 m tall. Adaptable, this rounded shade tree is a rapid grower with big heart-shaped leaves. This tree is noted for its cymes of fragrant, pale yellow, late spring flowers and small nutlets which follow the flowers and ripen by late summer. When a tree is in full bloom, bees often visit in such abundant numbers that humming can be heard many feet from the tree. Honey made from the nectar of these flowers is a prized gourmet item. Flowers have also been used to make tea. Syrup can be made from the sweet tree sap.