Littleleaf Linden
Tilia cordata
Littleleaf Linden (Tilia cordata) 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. Preferred by Japanese beetle.
medium water40–50 ft tall and 25–35 ft wideZones 2–3 (keep it back from the house)
Photos
- Photo 1: "Tilia cordata 001" by Willow is licensed under CC BY 2.5. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5/.
- Photo 2: "Tilia cordata" by Nacho 13 is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/.
- Photo 3: (c) Alreadyexist, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
- Photo 4: AnRo0002, no known copyright restrictions (public domain)
- Photo 5: "Tilia cordata, inflorescence" by Hendrik Falk is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.5. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5/.
- Photo 6: "Tilia cordata" by Dinesh Valke is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–7
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
- 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)
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 40–50 ft tall and 25–35 ft wide
- Mature form
- Pyramidal
- Spacing / clearance
- ~35 ft of clearance
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Medium
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- early summer, mid summer
- Bloom color
- yellow, cream
- Fall color
- Yellow
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Insects & DiseasesMain pressure here is Aphids and the resulting honeydew and sooty mold, so keep it vigorous with steady water and a well-chosen site.
- 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.
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 Littleleaf Linden good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Littleleaf Linden is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Littleleaf Linden get?
- It matures to about 40–50 ft tall and 25–35 ft wide.
- How much room does Littleleaf Linden need?
- Give Littleleaf Linden about 35 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Littleleaf Linden grow into?
- Littleleaf 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 Littleleaf Linden hardy on the Front Range?
- Littleleaf 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 Littleleaf Linden need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- How fast does Littleleaf Linden grow?
- Littleleaf Linden is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Littleleaf Linden live?
- Littleleaf Linden has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does Littleleaf Linden turn in fall?
- Littleleaf Linden turns yellow in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Littleleaf Linden native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Littleleaf Linden deer-resistant?
- No. Littleleaf Linden is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is Littleleaf Linden a good firewise plant near the house?
- Littleleaf 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 Littleleaf Linden prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Littleleaf 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.
