BASSWOOD. 353 



layers. If the fruit is allowed to hang on the bushes until 

 spring in this section many of the seeds may be injured. 



Uses. The Buckthorn is used largely for hedges, for which 

 purpose it is one of the hardiest, thriftiest and cleanest plants 

 that can be used in this section. It bears pruning well, and 

 hedges of it can be made very ornamental. As single specimens 

 it is desirable for park planting and for screens. The seeds 

 and innerbark possess medicinal qualities. 



TILIACEAE. LINDEN FAMILY. 



A family of about thirty-five genera and 245 species, widely 

 distributed in warm and tropical regions, a few in the temperate 



Genus TII,IA. 



A genus of about twelve species, only one of which is found 

 in Minnesota. They are all handsome, valuable trees, with 

 soft white wood. 



Leaves alternate, more or less heart-shaped, often soft and 

 downy. Flowers with five spatulate, oblong petals, cream col- 

 ored, in small cymes or clusters, hanging on an axillary, slender 

 peduncle, which is attached to a long, slender and thin leaf-like 

 bract. Fruit a small globular nut, one-celled, one or two 

 seeded, attached to the leaf-like bract and ripening in autumn. 

 The flowers are fragrant, and yield a large quantity of clear, 

 white, delicately flavored honey. The European Linden (T. 

 vulgaris) is mentioned here as being one of promising value 

 for cultivation in this section. 



Tilia ameticana. Basswood. American Linden. White 

 Wood. Beetree. 



Leaves large, alternate, nearly round or more or less heart- 

 shaped, commonly oblique at the base, serrate abruptly pointed, 

 green on both sides and glabrous, or nearly so. Flowers yel- 

 lowish-white, conspicuous, fragrant, appearing in June. Tree 

 large, often attaining a height of seventy feet and a diameter 

 of three feet. The bark of the trunk is furrowed, and its light 



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