Tilia japonica aka Japanese Lime

Tilia japonica is a deciduous tree called Japanese linden or Japanese lime. It belongs to the mallow family, Malvaceae. Its native range covers eastern China and Japan. In Japan, it grows in mountains across four main islands. These are Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu. This temperate tree loses its leaves for winter.

The crown forms a broad column, with spreading branches. RHS describes trees about 66 feet [20 metres] tall. Its size bands exceed 39 feet [12 metres] in height. Spread exceeds 26 feet [8 metres], so allow ample space. Trees take 20–50 years to reach their full size. The rounded green leaves have toothed edges and pointed tips. Their undersides have a blue-green tint. Pale yellow flowers hang in clusters of up to ten. Their scent and display add interest in summer. Missouri Botanical Garden lists flowering in June; RHS says midsummer. The fruit also has ornamental value.

Grow this tree in sun or partial shade. Choose moist soil that lets excess water drain away. It accepts clay, loam, sand and chalk. Acid, neutral and alkaline soils all suit it. Shelter the tree from cold winds. RHS gives it a hardiness rating of H6. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA zones 6–8 and medium water needs. It also reports drought tolerance. The tree suits parks and very large gardens. It can serve as a shade, lawn or street tree. Its broad form also suits specimen planting and wildlife gardens.

Missouri Botanical Garden rates maintenance as low, with few serious problems. Even so, several pests and diseases can occur. Aphids, scale, caterpillars, sawflies and gall mites may attack it. Other visitors include borers, leaf miners, lace bugs and Japanese beetles. Spider mites may cause trouble during hot, dry spells. Possible diseases include mildew, leaf spots, canker and sooty mould. Root rot and honey fungus are further risks. Verticillium wilt occurs less often but can kill the tree.

Plants For A Future lists young leaves as edible, raw or cooked. Flowers can be parboiled for greens or added to soup. They also provide a tea. The source lists edible fruit but gives few details. It reports no known hazards, rather than proven universal safety. It also records medicinal uses for flower tea. These include calming effects, easing spasms and promoting sweating. Inner bark supplies fibre for cord and sandals. The light, soft wood has uses in boxes and barrels.