Native Trees of Kentucky 113 



LINDEN FA/WILY- Tiliaceae. 



This tropical family is represented in North America by a 

 single genus, Tilia. 



GENUS TILIA LIXDEXS. 



In Kentucky, there are two species known as "Linn," or Bas.- 

 wood,. distinguished only by experts. 



</. American Linden Tilia ainericana. 

 b. iriiitc Basswood Tilia heterophylla. 



These trees, common through the State, are most abundant in 

 mountain regions. They are cut for floating timber and sold 

 with Tulip Tree and Cucumber as soft wood. The lumber, known 

 as Whitewood, is used for interior finish, carriage bodies, organ 

 pipes and wood carving. In the South it is largely employed in 

 the manufacture of excelsior. 



r* 



The flowers,- small, perfect, and rich in nectar, are borne in 

 pendent clusters attached by a long stalk to a narrow, leaf-like 

 blade. 



The tree takes its common name, Basswood, from the tough, 

 fibrous character of the inner bark or bast. No other native tree 

 sprouts more vigorously from cut-over stumps nor has more 

 luxuriant foliage. 



Tree tall, with many smooth, symmetrical, upright branches. 



Bark dark, deeply and closely furrowed. 



Leaves alternate, simple, toothed, large, obliquely heart- 

 shaped. 



Fruit a cluster of woody, pea-like balls, pendent from an 

 elliptical, leafy structure. 



