Small Leaved Lime
Tilia cordatafam. Tiliaceae
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. 853B — Tilia cordata
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IOverview
Overview
Small Leaved Lime (Tilia cordata) is a deciduous tree belonging to the Tiliaceae family, known for its light and airy habit in forests across Europe and parts of Asia. This hardy species thrives in moist, well-drained soils with a pH ranging from 4.8 to 7.2, making it adaptable to various environments within its native range that includes Albania, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, and other European countries. The tree can grow up to 30 meters tall and is recognized for both its ornamental value and its usefulness in traditional medicine. Its leaves and sap are edible, while the flowers have been used traditionally as a mild nervine to promote better sleep, especially suitable for children and the elderly. This gentle remedy highlights the plant's dual role as both an ornamental and medicinal asset in botanical gardens and natural landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Small Leaved Lime?
Small Leaved Lime (Tilia cordata) is a deciduous tree belonging to the Tiliaceae family, known for its light and airy habit in forests across Europe and parts of Asia. This hardy species thrives in moist, well-drained soils with a pH ranging from 4.
What is Small Leaved Lime used for?
Traditionally used for better sleep. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Small Leaved Lime
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Traditional use: linden flower tea as mild nervine for children and elderly. Safe gentle option.
Volatile oils + flavonoids
IV·bMixology suggestions
2 drafts
Mixology suggestions
2 draftsEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Stress Relief
stresstincture
Historically used for calming anxiety.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
The Small Leaved Lime thrives in moist, well-drained soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) and prefers a pH range of 4.8 to 7.2. It is hardy in temperate regions with zones 3-7 and grows best in full sun to partial shade. This tree can reach heights of up to 30 meters and requires regular watering but should not be overwatered, as it prefers moist conditions. For propagation, use seeds or hardwood cuttings. Leaves and sap are edible parts that can be enjoyed.
Light
7/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
3-7
Habit
Tree
Mature size
30.0 m tall
Soil pH
4.8–7.2
For first-time growers
How to grow Small Leaved Lime for the first time
8steps
Start with a Small Leaved Lime tree to experience its benefits and learn basic gardening.
- 1
What you'll need
A Small Leaved Lime sapling, garden gloves, a spade or trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the ground is moist and workable, or in autumn before the first frost.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil drains well but retains moisture; a mix of light sandy, medium, or clay soil works. For containers, use a pot at least 30 cm wide with drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the sapling carefully, keeping the root ball intact to avoid damaging roots.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy. Avoid direct sunlight for a week after planting.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water deeply once or twice a week during dry spells, especially in the first year. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth starts to shape the tree and remove dead branches. Leaves can be harvested for tea when young.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in too much shade, not providing enough support as it grows.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSap
Edible uses: Chocolate, Tea
Other uses:Fire starterFibertextilesLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Europe16 regions
native (16)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryItalyNetherlandsRussiaUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia2 regions
native (2)IranKazakhstan
Broader regions
native:Baltic States, Altay, Turkey-in-Europe, Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia, Krasnoyarsk
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 (Tiliaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Tiliaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
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 · 853b3599-8b6a-4aa7-8b9e-b4809886a14e
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