Carolina Basswood
Tilia caroliniana
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified clinician before using any herbal preparation — especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, while on medication, or for children. How we source & review →
Pl. 4F7F — Tilia caroliniana
Tilia carolinianaTilia carolinianaTilia carolinianaTilia carolinianaTilia carolinianaTilia carolinianaTilia carolinianaTilia carolinianaTilia carolinianaTilia carolinianaTilia carolinianaTilia carolinianaTilia carolinianaTilia caroliniana
IOverview
Overview
Carolina Basswood (Tilia caroliniana) is a deciduous tree native to the eastern United States and parts of Canada, ranging from Florida to Maine and westward into Texas. Known for its light, full sun to partial shade preference and moist soil requirements, it thrives in well-drained soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). This tree is hardy in zones 6-9, reaching heights of up to 20 meters. It is valued not only for its ornamental qualities but also for its edible leaves, which can be consumed as a nutritious addition to salads or cooked greens. Its presence in gardens and landscapes adds a touch of natural beauty and ecological value through its adaptability and native range.
Quick answers
What is Carolina Basswood?
Carolina Basswood (Tilia caroliniana) is a deciduous tree native to the eastern United States and parts of Canada, ranging from Florida to Maine and westward into Texas.
What is Carolina Basswood used for?
Traditionally used for better sleep, stress & anxiety. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Carolina Basswood
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Carolina Basswood appears in herbal sources around evening relaxation and bedtime routines, often as a tea. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original moderate confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
- Traditional-use note: Carolina Basswood appears in herbal sources around calming and relaxation traditions, often as a tincture. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original moderate confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Carolina Basswood support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Carolina Basswood thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, well-drained soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 6-9 and can grow up to 20 meters tall. The tree is native to the eastern United States and parts of Canada, making it adaptable to various climates within its range. For propagation, use seeds or cuttings. Leaves are edible but not commonly used as a food source. Ensure the soil pH is between 4.5 and 7.5 for best growth.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-9
Habit
Tree
Mature size
20.0 m tall
Soil pH
4.5–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Carolina Basswood for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, low-maintenance tree that will thrive in your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Carolina Basswood saplings or seeds, potting mix if container planting.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil is well-draining with a pH between 4.5 and 7.5; use light, medium, or heavy soil depending on availability.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant saplings directly into the ground or start seeds indoors in late winter for outdoor planting later.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged; avoid direct sunlight during this period.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide partial sun, regular watering, and occasional pruning to maintain shape. Monitor for pests like aphids.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to early spring; leaves can be harvested year-round but are most tender in spring.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, neglecting regular pruning, and not monitoring for pests.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: Tea
Other uses:FiberLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 30 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:Oklahoma, Massachusetts, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Manitoba, Maryland, Mexico Central, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Mexico Southeast, Mexico Southwest, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Jersey
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 4f7f095a-eb34-4b92-bd0d-1e2928d2ec57
Decision aid
Choosing between Carolina Basswood and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.