Tolerant of pollution, salt, and wind, silver linden is a tall deciduous tree that can be a useful shade tree in cities as well as towns. The heart shaped leaves are dark green on the upper side and silver on the backs, creating a beautiful effect when a breeze blows. In spring small fragrant flowers appear that are attractive to honey bees. A native of southeastern Europe and western Asia, silver linden is grow extensively in Europe. At 40-70 feet tall, it can be used as a wind break or screen as well as a specimen tree.
Type: Deciduous tree
Outstanding Feature: Foliage, tolerance to salt, wind, and air pollution
Form: Pyramidal when young becoming upright and oval with maturity.
Growth Rate: Rapid
Bloom: Small, yellowish white, fragrant flowers in spring
Size: 40-70’ H x 25-45’ W
Light: Full sun
Soil: Fertile, moist, well-drained, pH 5-7
Hardiness: Zones 4-7
Care: Prune in late winter
Pests and Diseases: Susceptible to Japanese beetles, aphids, gypsy moths and sooty mold.
Propagation: Seed; cultivars by grafting
Outstanding Selection: ‘Sterling’ (90’ tall; leaves retain silver undersides all season; resistant to Japanese beetles, and gypsy moths).
