Silver: Sterling Silver Linden
Tilia tomentosa
Silver: Sterling Silver Linden (Tilia tomentosa) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 50–70 ft tall and 25–35 ft wide, needs medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. More resistant to Japanese beetle.
medium water50–70 ft tall and 25–35 ft wide
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At a glance
- Rating
- Recommended
- Botanical name
- Tilia tomentosa
- Variety / cultivar
- Silver: Sterling Silver
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 50–70 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 Silver: Sterling Silver Linden good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Silver: Sterling Silver Linden is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Silver: Sterling Silver Linden get?
- It matures to about 50–70 ft tall and 25–35 ft wide.
- How much room does Silver: Sterling Silver Linden need?
- Give Silver: Sterling Silver Linden about 35 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Silver: Sterling Silver Linden grow into?
- Silver: Sterling Silver 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 Silver: Sterling Silver Linden hardy on the Front Range?
- Silver: Sterling Silver 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 Silver: Sterling Silver Linden need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- How fast does Silver: Sterling Silver Linden grow?
- Silver: Sterling Silver Linden is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Silver: Sterling Silver Linden live?
- Silver: Sterling Silver Linden has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does Silver: Sterling Silver Linden turn in fall?
- Silver: Sterling Silver Linden turns yellow in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Silver: Sterling Silver Linden native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Silver: Sterling Silver Linden deer-resistant?
- No. Silver: Sterling Silver Linden is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is Silver: Sterling Silver Linden prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Silver: Sterling Silver 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.
