Linden
Tilia x europaea
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Pl. 839B — Tilia x europaea
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IOverview
Overview
Linden, scientifically known as Tilia x europaea, is a hybrid species that thrives in the temperate regions of Europe, from Austria and Czechoslovakia to France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Ukraine. This deciduous tree, often found in moist, well-drained soils, can grow up to 35 meters tall and prefers full sun to partial shade. Known for its edible flowers, leaves, and sap, linden is valued both as an ornamental plant and a source of food. Its light green foliage and fragrant blossoms make it a popular choice in gardens and parks.
Quick answers
What is Linden?
Linden, scientifically known as Tilia x europaea, is a hybrid species that thrives in the temperate regions of Europe, from Austria and Czechoslovakia to France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Ukraine.
What is Linden 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 Linden
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Linden appears in herbal sources around calming and relaxation traditions, often as a traditional preparation. 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: Linden 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.
Linden support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Linden thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows well in hardiness zones 3-9, making it adaptable to various climates within its native range of Austria, Czechoslovakia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland. For cultivation, ensure the soil remains consistently moist and provide ample space for this large tree, which can reach heights of up to 35 meters. Propagation is typically done through seeds or cuttings.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
3-9
Mature size
35.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Linden for the first time
7steps
Start with a simple, hardy Linden tree that thrives in various conditions.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Linden sapling and some basic gardening tools like a spade and watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant your Linden in early spring or late autumn when the weather is cooler.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is well-draining, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Amend heavy clay soils with sand to improve drainage.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant your sapling into a prepared hole that's twice as wide but not deeper than its root ball.
- 5
First two weeks
Water the tree deeply every few days, ensuring the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. Mulch around the base to retain moisture.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly during dry spells and fertilize once a year in early spring with a balanced organic fertilizer. Prune only if necessary to remove dead or damaged branches.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune the tree in late winter before new growth starts, focusing on removing any weak or crossing branches.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeavesSap
Edible uses: Manna, Chocolate, Sweetener, Tea
Other uses:Fire starterFibertextilesLumberDynamic accumulator
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
14 native · 4 introduced
Distribution
14 native · 4 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 14 native· 4 introduced
Europe14 regions
native (12)AustriaFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryItalyPolandRomaniaSpainSwedenSwitzerlandUkraine
introduced (2)IrelandUnited Kingdom
Asia1 region
introduced (1)Uzbekistan
Broader regions
native:Czechoslovakia
introduced:Minnesota
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
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