Tiglio Americano

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Malvaceae

Order

Malvales

Genus

Tilia

Species

American

Description

Plant native to the eastern regions of North America. Large tree with expanded, rounded crown tending to a regular growth habit. Dense branching, deep green leaves that turn yellow in autumn.
Flowering in early July is particularly welcome as it is very fragrant and an important source of nectar for honey bees.

curiosity and special features

The term Tilia derives from ptilon, or wing, in relation to the bract bearing the stalked fruits by means of which wind-facilitated dissemination takes place, while the specific epithet americana refers to the species' area of origin, i.e. North, Central and South America.

Other species belonging to the botanical genus Tilia and used in ornamentals are T. cordata, T. europaea, T. platyphyllos and T. tomentosa.

Origin and Diffusion

Species native to a range extending from east-central Canada to Mexico, it was introduced to Europe in the 18th century as an ornamental plant.

Leaf

Leafs, deciduous and glabrous, have Cuoriform, Dentate lamina with acuminate apex.

Fruit/product

The flower contains no seeds and has a tender texture. Characterised by a delicate taste and intense aroma, the flavour is mild. Ripening takes place from early spring to late spring. The skin is not edible. Overall, the flower is of good quality.

Flowering period

early to mid-summer for a duration of 15 to 25 days.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence corymb, borne at the end of a peduncle protected at the basal end by a bract.

Leaf color

Homogeneous deep green hue that tends to turn yellow during the autumn period, giving the plant additional ornamental value.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 10 to 30 m. The American Lime represents a first-class tree.

Lifespan

Polyannual deciduous, i.e. deciduous Leaf tree.

Suggested planting locations

Its achieved size as well as the elegance and majesty of its vegetative habitus make it suitable as a tree for large flower beds and road roundabouts, open field.

Stem/stem

It has a woody stem with grey-brown bark that shows longitudinal cracks over time.

Flower

The flower has a simple shape, with a symmetrical corolla and single-coloured petals. It is arranged in large corymbal inflorescences. It flowers from early to mid-summer, with a flowering period of between 15 and 25 days. It has hints of honey and is very fragrant, with a delicate aroma. It is attractive to bees, butterflies and bumblebees.

Growth

Medium-vigorous Growth tree.

Plant habit

The developed habitus is erect with expanded, rounded foliage that tends towards a regular habitus.

branching

The abundant branching gives the foliage high density.

pH

The ideal pH of the soil is between 6.0 and 7.0, varying from slightly acidic to neutral.

soil preparation

Before transplanting at the end of autumn, choose the most suitable location, according to the plant's needs and the criterion 'The right plant in the right place'. Remove any weeds and cumbersome pebbles, carry out a basic fertilisation, useful to ensure the nutrients the plant needs in the first post-transplant phases, by uniformly burying organic or chemical slow-release fertiliser, and if the soil is heavy and poorly draining, it is advisable to add sand as well.

sun exposure

Suitable for exposure in half shade, full sun.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 15 and 30 °C. The biological temperature is between -10 and 40 °C. It is a plant that tolerates cold winter weather well.

Use

Appreciated for its achieved size and lush, fragrant flowering in:

Outdoor ornamental Outdoor Landscape Design Landscaping

Hardiness

Highly rustic tree.

Soil/medium

It adapts to different soil conditions, but the ideal soil for better root development is medium textured soil with good drainage.

Maintenance

Following successful planting in the new site, the cultivation of American Lime is easy, requiring a low level of maintenance effort.

cultivation tips

Some useful cultivation tips, specific to the American Lime:

Plant that adapts very well to cold winter climates, and also thrives in frozen soil conditions. Correct pruning

planting

For transplanting, adopt an average density of 200 plants/ha, choosing healthy specimens, free from abiotic and biotic stress conditions. Always identify the planting site in advance in relation to the growth conditions required by the species according to the principle of 'the right plant in the right place'.

Keep the root ball temperate and compact to avoid root flaking.

pruning

Plant that does not need pruning in parks and spacious gardens, but only in cases where the volume of the foliage has to be limited due to interference with houses or road frontage.
Periodic winter pruning every 4/5 years on branches smaller than 7/8 cm for roadside rows. Avoid pruning the stem, which leads to desiccation of the trunk and branches.

Reproduction/Propagation

Propagation can be by grafting, cuttings and seed.

Irrigation

After transplanting, assist the plant so that it can best develop its root system in the new site, keeping it at a constant humidity free of water stagnation and dryness. Afterwards, during the hottest period, water abundantly until the soil is saturated in temperate conditions without waterlogging on the surface.

Apply quantities with frequencies and doses also commensurate with the climatic trend during the different seasons.

Fertilization

Use ternary fertiliser complete with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) when planting trees or covering over the root zone (50 g/m2).

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

advise 1

Particularly popular species because it rarely emits suckers at the base of the trunk. Despite pruning and training, it does not emit lateral suckers on the trunk. This species reduces maintenance and suckering costs for trees in the garden and on urban paths.