Silver Linden
Tilia tomentosa
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
Photos
- Photo 1: "150829 094 Wagner Park - MJH Beds, Perovskia atriplicifolia, Pennisetum aloepecuroides, Tilia tomentosa" by cultivar413 is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/.
- Photo 2: "150829 106 Battery Park City - South Cove Park, Salix babylonica, Tilia tomentosa, Rosa rugosa, Pennisetum aloepecuroides, Cleome hassleriana cv" by cultivar413 is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/.
- Photo 3: "Tilia tomentosa" by fdecomite is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/.
- Photo 4: "Tabáni Park Botanikai Tanösvény. Silver lime (Tilia tomentosa).- Budapest" by Globetrotter19 is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/.
- Photo 5: "Tilia tomentosa Invalides St Julien Auderghem" by Zinneke is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/.
- Photo 6: "Tilia tomentosa (1)" by The original uploader was Jeantosti at French Wikipedia. is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/.
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
- moderate
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 50–70 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: 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 Silver Linden good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, 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 Linden get?
- It matures to about 50–70 ft tall and 25–35 ft wide.
- How much room does Silver Linden need?
- Give Silver Linden about 35 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Silver Linden grow into?
- 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 Linden hardy on the Front Range?
- 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 Linden need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- How fast does Silver Linden grow?
- Silver Linden is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Silver Linden live?
- Silver Linden has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does Silver Linden turn in fall?
- Silver Linden turns yellow in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Silver Linden native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Silver Linden deer-resistant?
- No. Silver Linden is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is Silver Linden prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- 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.
