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IIIFolio · plant profile№ 6193medicinal · edible
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White Basswood

Tilia heterophylla
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Tilia heterophylla (White Basswood) — botanical photograph
Pl. 6193 — Tilia heterophylla
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I

Overview

White Basswood (Tilia heterophylla) is a deciduous tree native to eastern North America and parts of Mexico. Known for its ornamental value and edibility, this tree thrives in moist, well-drained soils with a pH between 4.5 and 7.5. It can grow up to 30 meters tall and prefers full sun to partial shade. Native to states like Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, and the District of Columbia, White Basswood is also valued for its light green leaves that are edible and can be used in various culinary applications. Its adaptability to a range of soil types makes it a versatile addition to gardens and landscapes.

Quick answers

What is White Basswood?

White Basswood (Tilia heterophylla) is a deciduous tree native to eastern North America and parts of Mexico. Known for its ornamental value and edibility, this tree thrives in moist, well-drained soils with a pH between 4.5 and 7.5. It can grow up to 30 meters tall and prefers full sun to partial shade.

What is White Basswood used for?

Traditionally used for stress & anxiety, better sleep. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.

Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of White Basswood
Jump to full evidence →
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
II

Benefits & evidence

2 claims · traditional-use context
Traditional-use context
These notes are presented as ethnobotanical context. No cited clinical references are catalogued for this plant yet.
  • Traditional-use note: White 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.

  • Traditional-use note: White 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.

    ▲ ModerateBetter sleep →
IV·b

Mixology suggestions

1 draft
Editorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
White Basswood support blend
general
tea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

White 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 4-8 and can grow up to 30 meters tall. For optimal growth, ensure the soil pH ranges between 4.5 and 7.5. The tree is native to a wide range of eastern North American states and provinces, making it adaptable to various climates. Leaves are edible but not commonly used in culinary applications.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Habit
Tree
Mature size
30.0 m tall
Soil pH
4.5–7.5
For first-time growers

How to grow White Basswood for the first time

8steps

Start with planting White Basswood in a sunny to partially shaded spot, and follow these steps for success.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    A young White Basswood sapling, garden gloves, a spade or shovel.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in early spring or late fall when the soil is moist and temperatures are mild.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Ensure the soil drains well but retains moisture. Amend with compost if needed.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Transplant young saplings into a prepared hole that's twice as wide but not deeper than the root ball.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water regularly to keep soil moist, especially during dry spells. Monitor for pests and diseases.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Water deeply once a week, more often in hot weather. Mulch around the base to retain moisture.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune in late winter before new growth starts to maintain shape and remove dead branches.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting mulching, not providing enough sunlight.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: Tea
Other uses:FiberLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

50 native · 1 introduced
Distribution across1 continent· 50 native· 1 introduced
Asia2 regions
native (1)Georgia
introduced (1)Uzbekistan
Broader regions
native:Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Manitoba, Maryland, Masachusettes, Massachusetts, Mexico Central, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Mexico Southeast, Mexico Southwest, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Québec, Rhode I., Saskatchewan, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Tilia heterophylla (White Basswood) — botanical photograph
White Basswood (Tilia heterophylla)
X

See also

8 related
XI

Explore further

Growing zone
XII

About this entry

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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 619349c2-c114-4c9c-960b-c0d8ecc1901f
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