Tilia tomentosa aka Hungarian Silver Linden

Taxonomy

Genus Tilia Family Malvaceae Order Malvales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Tilia tomentosa, also known as silver linden in the US and silver lime in the UK, is a large deciduous tree belonging to the Malvaceae family. It is native to southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia, with its range extending from Romania and the Balkans to western Turkey at moderate altitudes. This species can grow up to 25 meters in height and 20 meters in width at a medium rate, with a trunk diameter of up to 2 meters. It is hardy to zone 6 in the UK and is not frost tender. The leaves are alternately arranged, rounded to triangular-ovate, and have a toothed margin. They are green and mostly hairless above, densely white tomentose with white hairs below, and have a petiole of 2.5-4 cm. The fragrant, pale yellow flowers are hermaphrodite and produced in cymes of three to ten in mid to late summer, with a pale green subtending leafy bract. They are pollinated by honeybees. The fruit is a dry nut-like drupe that ripens in late summer, is downy, and slightly ribbed. Tilia tomentosa can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils that are well-drained and can tolerate soils with pH levels ranging from acidic to alkaline. It can grow in semi-shaded or no shaded areas and prefers dry or moist soil.

Common names

Hungarian Silver Linden, Silver Lime, Silver Linden

How to care for Hungarian Silver Linden

Difficulty

Hungarian Silver Linden is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Soil

Hungarian Silver Linden loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Hungarian Silver Linden prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The growth of Hungarian Silver Linden is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.

Region of origin

Hungarian Silver Linden’s native range is S.E. Europe.

More info:
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More Species in Tilia Genus

Tilia americana American Basswood

Tilia tomentosa Hungarian Silver Linden

Tilia cordata Linden

Tilia oliveri Oliver's Lime

Tilia chinensis Chinese Linden

Tilia mongolica Mongolian Lime

Tilia amurensis Amur Lime

Tilia japonica Japanese Lime

Tilia heterophylla

Tilia Linden