// SPECIES PROFILE · TREE · NATIVE

American Basswood

Tilia americana

American Basswood (Tilia americana) is a tree in the Malvaceae (formerly Tiliaceae) family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 3a–8a. Mature size 40'–100'. Blooms Jun–Jul.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: Malvaceae (formerly Tiliaceae)
Group: tree
Native range: Native to 38 U.S. states, including AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL…
USDA hardiness: Zones 3a–8a
Mature size: 40'–100'
Sun: Part shade
Water: Medium
Bloom: Jun–Jul
Wildlife value: High — pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: pollinator magnet · bee tree · fragrant bloom

American Basswood (Tilia americana) — *Tilia americana* — American Basswood. Photo by Plant Image Library via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

American Basswood (Tilia americana) is a tree in the Malvaceae (formerly Tiliaceae) family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 3a–8a. Mature size 40'–100'. Blooms Jun–Jul.

Why it's on this list: pollinator magnet · bee tree · fragrant bloom. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, american basswood pairs naturally with: Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), Eastern Cottonwood (Populus deltoides), Eastern Hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana), Eastern Redcedar (Juniperus virginiana).