General Characteristics
The American Basswood, also known as the American Linden, is a medium to large deciduous tree native to eastern and central North America. It typically grows to heights of 60-80 feet but can reach up to 100 feet in ideal conditions. The tree is known for its broad, rounded crown and dense foliage, which provides ample shade. Its leaves are heart-shaped, with finely serrated edges and a distinctive asymmetrical base. The American Basswood produces fragrant, pale yellow flowers in early summer, which develop into small, round fruits.

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Range
American Basswood is widely distributed across eastern and central regions of North America, from southern Canada down to northern Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma, and from the Atlantic coast westward to the Great Plains. It thrives in rich, moist soils, often found in bottomlands, along streams, and in mixed hardwood forests.

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How to Identify
The tree can be identified by its large, heart-shaped leaves, which are 4-8 inches long with serrated edges and a pointed tip. The bark of young trees is smooth and gray, becoming furrowed and darker with age. In spring and early summer, clusters of fragrant, creamy-yellow flowers appear, attracting numerous pollinators. The fruits are small, nut-like, and attached to a distinctive leafy bract that aids in wind dispersal.

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Commercial Value
American Basswood wood is light, soft, and easy to work with, making it a favored material for carving, turning, and the production of woodenware, such as bowls and utensils. It is also used in the manufacturing of musical instruments, furniture, and veneer. The tree's inner bark, or bast, has been traditionally used by Native Americans for making rope, mats, and woven goods.

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Wildlife Value
The flowers of the American Basswood are highly attractive to bees, making the tree an important nectar source for honey production. The leaves and buds are consumed by various insects, providing a food source for birds and other wildlife. The tree's dense canopy offers shelter and nesting sites for birds, while its seeds are eaten by small mammals.

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Symbiotic Relationships
The American Basswood has a notable relationship with pollinators, especially bees. The tree's flowers provide abundant nectar, which is essential for honeybee colonies. This mutualistic relationship benefits the tree through enhanced pollination and the bees through a reliable food source. Additionally, the tree often forms symbiotic associations with mycorrhizal fungi, which enhance nutrient uptake from the soil.

 

 

• The American Basswood is sometimes called the "Bee Tree" due to its high value to honeybees.

• Its soft wood makes it an ideal choice for woodcarvers and is particularly favored for making intricate sculptures and carvings.

• The tree is known for its rapid growth, making it a popular choice for reforestation and as a shade tree in urban areas.

• Historically, the fibrous inner bark was used by Native Americans to create a strong, flexible material known as basswood bark rope.