Linden
Tilia x flavescens
Linden (Tilia x flavescens) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 40–50 ft tall and 25–35 ft wide, needs medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade.
medium water40–50 ft tall and 25–35 ft wide
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At a glance
- Rating
- Recommended
- Botanical name
- Tilia x flavescens
- Variety / cultivar
- 'Glenleven'
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 40–50 ft tall and 25–35 ft wide
- Mature form
- Pyramidal
- Spacing / clearance
- ~35 ft of clearance
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–7
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- 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
- moderate
- 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 Linden good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Linden is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Linden get?
- It matures to about 40–50 ft tall and 25–35 ft wide.
- How much room does Linden need?
- Give Linden about 35 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Linden grow into?
- Linden typically grows into a pyramidal, conical outline that is widest at the base. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Linden hardy on the Front Range?
- Linden is hardy in USDA 3–7. 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 Linden need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- How fast does Linden grow?
- Linden is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Linden live?
- Linden has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does Linden turn in fall?
- Linden turns yellow in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Linden native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Linden deer-resistant?
- No. Linden is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is Linden prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- 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.
Find Linden near you
See also
Related trees
Linden, American- American Sentry™, 'Redmond'
Tilia americana
Linden, Littleleaf: GREENSPIRE®
Tilia cordata
Linden, 'Harvest Gold'
Tilia cordata x mongolica
Linden, Silver: Sterling Silver
Tilia tomentosa
Maple, Norway: Columnare, Crimson King, Crimson Sentry, Deborah, EMERALD LUSTER®, Emerald Queen, Fairview, Royal Red
Acer platanoides
Maple, Sugar: Caddo John Pair, Autumn Splendor, FLASH FIRE®
Acer saccharum