White Basswood
Tilia heterophylla
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Pl. 6193 — Tilia heterophylla
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IOverview
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
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- 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.
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.
White Basswood support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
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
What you'll need
A young White Basswood sapling, garden gloves, a spade or shovel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late fall when the soil is moist and temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil drains well but retains moisture. Amend with compost if needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young saplings into a prepared hole that's twice as wide but not deeper than the root ball.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist, especially during dry spells. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water deeply once a week, more often in hot weather. Mulch around the base to retain moisture.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth starts to maintain shape and remove dead branches.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting mulching, not providing enough sunlight.
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:Pennsylvania, Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Manitoba, Maryland, Mexico Central, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Southeast, Mexico Southwest, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York
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 · 619349c2-c114-4c9c-960b-c0d8ecc1901f
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