MSU Extension Gardening in Michigan

Tilia tomentosa

• Height: 50’ - 70’
• Spread: 30’ - 50’
• Site characteristics: Moist, deep, fertile, well-drained soils; full sun to partial shade; very site adaptable
• Zone: 4 - 7
• Wet/dry: Tolerates drought
• Native range: Southeastern Europe and Southwestern Asia
• pH: 5.0 - 8.5
• Shape: Pyramidal with dense, coarse foliage
• Foliage: Glossy green with silvery-white color on the underside of the leaf
• Other: Tolerates heat and drought better than T. cordata; tolerates urban sites, heat, drought and pollution; able to prune into a hedge
• Cultivars: Green Mountain (‘PNI 6051’) – fast growing, symmetrical, dense canopy. Satin Shadow (‘Sashazam’) – possibly more cold hardy, symmetrical, reportedly resistant to Japanese beetles. Sterling Silver (also listed as ‘Sterling’) – dense canopy, resistant to Japanese beetles and gypsy moths.
• Pests: Reportedly less susceptible to Japanese beetles than other lindens due to the soft, downy hairs on the underside of the leaves. No serious pests or disease problems.

  
Photos: Jesse Saylor, MSU

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