![](https://img.ecotree.green/flora/species/tilleul-a-grandes-feuilles1.jpg?d=128x128)Large-leaved linden: Uses and characteristics ============================================= The **Large-leaved linden** is valued for its contribution to biodiversity, its wood for handicrafts and its medicinal flowers, making it a cultural, ecological and aesthetic pillar of the European landscape. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ### Large-leaved Linden The **Large-leaved linden** (*Tilia platyphyllos*) is a majestic tree native to Europe and Western Asia, renowned for its longevity and its place in history and tradition. Appreciated since ancient times, it was often planted in public squares and monastery courtyards for its generous shade and soothing properties. The Greeks and Romans were already using its flowers for their medicinal virtues, in particular to calm anxiety and promote sleep. Today, this tree is appreciated not only for its beauty, but also for its uses in phytotherapy. A symbol of peace and conviviality, the lime tree continues to occupy a special place in Europe's cultural and natural landscape. [ Become a Tree Owner ](https://ecotree.green/en/treeshop) ### Why does EcoTree plant Large-leaved linden? From an ecological point of view, **Large-leaved linden** is a species that is **invaluable for biodiversity**: its nectar-rich flowers attract a wide variety of pollinators, particularly bees, contributing to the health of forest ecosystems. In addition, its dense foliage produces nutrient-rich litter that improves soil quality, encouraging the growth of other plant species. This tree is also **resilient to climate change**, as it tolerates a wide range of environmental conditions and can adapt to a variety of soils. In forests, it plays an important role in combating soil erosion thanks to its deep and extensive root system. ### Large-leaved Linden - Overview ### Large-leaved Linden - Overview The **Large-leaved linden** can reach a height of **30 to 40 metres** at maturity, with a majestic, spreading habit. The trunk is straight, robust and covered with grey-brown bark. In young trees, the bark is smooth, but becomes cracked and fissured with age, giving it a characteristic appearance. Its leaves are broadly **cordate** (heart-shaped) and between 10 and 15 cm long, which distinguishes it from other lime trees. They have a dark green upper surface and a lighter underside, often covered with whitish to yellowish hairs, particularly in the veins. The leaves are toothed at the edges and have a long stalk. The flowers are small and pale yellow, grouped in hanging cymes of 3 to 5 flowers. They are particularly **fragrant and rich in nectar**, attracting many pollinating insects. They generally appear in June or early July, depending on the weather. The flowers are also highly prized for their medicinal uses, particularly in infusions for their soothing properties. Read moreRead less ![Large-leaved Linden](https://img.ecotree.green/flora/species/tilleul-a-grandes-feuilles2.jpg?d=128x128) ### Large-leaved Linden - Species requirements The **Large-leaved linden** prefers a sunny to partly shady spot. It tolerates partial shade, but **good light** encourages optimum growth and abundant flowering. It thrives in deep, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. A **cool soil** is ideal, as it is sensitive to prolonged drought. *Tilia platyphyllos* thrives in temperate climates with regular rainfall, but can suffer in areas that are too arid. The **Large-leaved linden** is generally hardy, but can be subject to certain pests such as aphids and mealy bugs, which secrete honeydew that is attractive to ants. Heavy attacks can sometimes lead to the development of fumagine (a black fungus). ### Large-leaved linden's Wood Its wood is light, soft and easy to work, yet relatively uniform. Its fine, smooth grain makes it easy to saw, turn and polish. The wood of **Large-leaved linden** is white to pale yellow in colour, giving it a neutral, versatile appearance. Lindenwood is particularly prized by sculptors and engravers for its softness and even grain. It can be used to make **fine furniture, boxes, caskets and decorative accessories**. It is also used in the manufacture of certain **string or wind instruments** for specific parts requiring a light wood. Its soft acoustics make it useful for components such as soundboards and instrument bodies. Finally, because of its homogeneous, light-coloured fibre, the wood of **Large-leaved linden** can be used to produce high-quality **pulp**. ### Large-leaved linden's symbolism In Europe, particularly in Germanic and Slavic cultures, the Linden tree was often planted in the centre of villages. It was used as a meeting place for assemblies, festivals and ceremonies. Its welcoming shade symbolised **peace** and **protection**. Because of its heart-shaped leaves, the Linden tree is often associated with **love**, **tenderness** and **fidelity**. In Greek mythology, it is linked to the story of **Philemon and Baucis**, a pair of lovers who, for their mutual devotion, were transformed into two intertwined trees, one of which was a Linden tree. Give your other half a **Large-leaved linden** for Valentine's Day ! ### Our selection of trees Our goal is to enable anyone to do something that benefits nature and helps us to live in a more harmonious world. So why not become a tree owner in a European forest and help combat climate change? ![](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/05/ad2a046f70a19b5676020f6a34c3b596539cbcd6.jpg?d=240x135) ![Flag FR](https://img.ecotree.green/graphism/flags/fr.svg) [See in detail](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7383) [Corsican Pine](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7383) €19 Age: 0 to 2 years old Laneuville forest Meuse, Grand Est, France Add to cart ![](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/05/f4a7544286932b940ef11026e965c0a38d019af8.png?d=240x135) ![Flag FR](https://img.ecotree.green/graphism/flags/fr.svg) Popular [See in detail](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7547) [Sessile Oak](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7547) €19 Age: 0 to 2 years old Laneuville forest Meuse, Grand Est, France Add to cart ![](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/03/dd7ce55df2c354580f6e5888986fc66b4521810f.jpeg?d=240x135) ![Flag FR](https://img.ecotree.green/graphism/flags/fr.svg) New forest [See in detail](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7614) [Sitka Spruce](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7614) €19 Age: 0 to 2 years old Priziac forest Morbihan, Brittany, France Add to cart Please note that this is promotional communication. See our [notice of information](https://ecotree.green/en/notice-of-information). [ See our trees ](https://ecotree.green/en/treeshop) ![ecotree](https://img.ecotree.green/flora/drone/lanrivain-fr-03.jpg?d=70x70)graham has started a [subscription of 1 tree in France](/en/grow-your-own-forests) ![ecotree](https://img.ecotree.green/flora/drone/lanrivain-fr-03.jpg?d=70x70)Raphaël has started a [subscription of 2 trees in Denmark](/en/grow-your-own-danish-forests) ![ecotree](https://img.ecotree.green/flora/drone/lanrivain-fr-03.jpg?d=70x70)Chloe has started a [subscription of 3 trees in France](/en/grow-your-own-forests) ![ecotree](https://img.ecotree.green/flora/drone/lanrivain-fr-03.jpg?d=70x70)Heta has started a [subscription of 1 tree in Denmark](/en/grow-your-own-danish-forests) ![ecotree](https://img.ecotree.green/flora/drone/lanrivain-fr-03.jpg?d=70x70)Adrian has started a [subscription of 1 tree in Denmark](/en/grow-your-own-danish-forests) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/03/5a4b02c451eca6d9634141f1548976d4bac06cfa.jpeg?d=70x70)Florian purchased [3 Larches](https://ecotree.green/en/article/4633) from Orø-Margrete forest 2 (Sjælland, DK) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/hero/0001/04/ca284db9e94888e3bcebe9af570dcba6ab4eb418.png?d=70x70)Pierre-Olivier helped preserve 1 m² of the [m2 of restored natural ecosystem in Champeau Forest, France ](https://ecotree.green/en/article/6267) project in Champeau Forest (Côte-d'Or, FR) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/03/dd7ce55df2c354580f6e5888986fc66b4521810f.jpeg?d=70x70)Kevin purchased [2 Sitka Spruces](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7614) from Priziac forest (Morbihan, FR) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/05/187b6bd8625bacdd11392c2ea17058c5962ebc7f.png?d=70x70)Robert purchased [1 Hazel](https://ecotree.green/en/article/4090) from The Old Gravel Forest in Nysum (Nordjylland, DK) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/05/df92dd11cbfeae6aee48aa9a20bf35cee9118475.png?d=70x70)Consafe gave away [3 Sessile Oak](https://ecotree.green/en/article/3764) from Orø-Margrete Forest (Sjælland, DK) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/05/f4a7544286932b940ef11026e965c0a38d019af8.png?d=70x70)Consafe gave away [3 Sessile Oak](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7547) from Laneuville forest (Meuse, FR) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/05/ad2a046f70a19b5676020f6a34c3b596539cbcd6.jpg?d=70x70)Consafe gave away [3 Corsican Pines](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7383) from Laneuville forest (Meuse, FR) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/hero/0001/05/3999b46899e4791fd1ff5dccab53f800a2c7edc5.jpg?d=70x70)Thu Trang helped preserve 10.05 m² of the [m2 of restored natural ecosystem in Nouic Forest, France ](https://ecotree.green/en/article/6243) project in Nouïc Forest (Haute-Vienne, FR) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/essence/0001/05/ad2a046f70a19b5676020f6a34c3b596539cbcd6.jpg?d=70x70)English purchased [1 Corsican Pine](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7383) from Laneuville forest (Meuse, FR) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/pack/0001/06/73607ab34b5ac5f0887ab02d21bb04b8de505aa2.jpg?d=70x70)Margit gave away [1 Newly planted forest bundle bundle](https://ecotree.green/en/article/7205) from Different regions (DK) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/hero/0001/05/ba0ad016319bc69697b63bae5029778fb1593a24.jpg?d=70x70)Pierre-Olivier helped preserve 1 m² of the [m2 of restored natural ecosystem in Pézarches Forest, France ](https://ecotree.green/en/article/6248) project in Pézarches Forest (Seine-et-Marne, FR) ![ecotree](https://bocdn.ecotree.green/hero/0001/05/ba0ad016319bc69697b63bae5029778fb1593a24.jpg?d=70x70)Pierre-Olivier helped preserve 1 m² of the [m2 of restored natural ecosystem in Pézarches Forest, France ](https://ecotree.green/en/article/6248) project in Pézarches Forest (Seine-et-Marne, FR) ### It's in the bag, great choice! 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