American Linden
Tilia americana
American Linden (Tilia americana) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 50–75 ft tall and 30–50 ft wide, fast-growing, needs medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. Less preferred by Japanese beetle.
medium water50–75 ft tall and 30–50 ft wide
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At a glance
- Rating
- Recommended
- Botanical name
- Tilia americana
- Variety / cultivar
- American- American Sentry™, 'Redmond'
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 50–75 ft tall and 30–50 ft wide
- Mature form
- Oval / upright
- Spacing / clearance
- ~50 ft of clearance
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 2–8
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Lifespan
- Medium
- Fall color
- Yellow
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- high
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 2–3 (keep it back from the house)
- Bloom color
- yellow, cream
- Bloom time
- early summer, mid summer
- Pollinator value
- high
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Cold HardinessThe average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- Watch: Leaf ScorchIts leaf edges brown in hot, dry wind, so give it steady summer water and some shelter from the worst afternoon blast.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
Common problems on the Front Range
- Aphids and the resulting honeydew and sooty mold
- Japanese beetle defoliation
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Frequently asked questions
- Is American Linden good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, American Linden is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does American Linden get?
- It matures to about 50–75 ft tall and 30–50 ft wide.
- How much room does American Linden need?
- Give American Linden about 50 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does American Linden grow into?
- American Linden typically grows into an upright-oval crown, taller than it is wide. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is American Linden hardy on the Front Range?
- American Linden is hardy in USDA 2–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range. That said, it carries a cold-hardiness caution: The average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- How much water does American Linden need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- How fast does American Linden grow?
- American Linden is a fast-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does American Linden live?
- American Linden has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does American Linden turn in fall?
- American Linden turns yellow in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is American Linden native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is American Linden deer-resistant?
- No. American Linden is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is American Linden a good firewise plant near the house?
- American Linden is suitable in defensible-space zones 2–3, best kept back from the house rather than in the area right against the structure. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- Is American Linden prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- American Linden can be affected by aphids and the resulting honeydew and sooty mold and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
