Trees of New York State 309 



TILIACEAE 



Tilia Micliauxii Sarg. [Tilia iieglecta Spach.] 



Basswood, Linden 



Habit — A large tree becomng under favorable conditions 70-80 feet in height 

 with a trunk diameter of 2-3 feet. In habit it resembles Tilia amcricana 

 L. ami is scjiidm <iistiiigiiisli(Ml from it b_v laymai.. 



Leaves — Alternate, broadly ovate usually 5-6 inches long, abruptly acumin- 

 ate or acute at the apex, t'ordate or truncute and very oblique at the base, 

 sharply serrate with glandular teeth, at maturity thick, dark green, lus- 

 trous, glabrous or sparingly pubescent above, grayish green and rather 

 densely pubescent Anth long hairs below and with prominent tufts of pale 

 hairs in the axils of the princi])al veins, borne on slender petioles IVi;-- 

 iuches in length. 



Flowers — Somewhat larger than those of Tilia (uiuricana and opening a few 

 days latei, otherwise similar. 



Fruit — Similar to that of Tilia americana but smaller (about Vi of an inch 

 in diameter) and more globose. 



Winter characters — The tree cannot be separated with certainty in winter 

 condition from Tilia americana. The branches are said to be smoother 

 and lighter colored than those of that species but this character should 

 be used with reservation in identification. 



Habitat — Similar to that of Tilia americana. Prefers the moist, well-drained 

 soils of rich woods in admixture with other species. 



Range — Imperfectly known. Said to extend from southeastern Canada and 

 New England southward into the Gulf states. Zones A, B, and C. 



Uses — The wood is not distinguished in the trade from that of Tilia ameri- 

 cana and is ])ut to the same uses. The tree is occasionally grown orna- 

 mentally. 



