American Basswood, American Linden

American Basswood, also known as American Linden, is native to all of New England and the Midwestern United States. In Ohio, it is found in the northern and western portions of the state. American Basswood is a favorite tree of bees as they extract nectar from its flowers, making a very high-quality honey in the process. The weak wood of this tree is both lightweight and odorless, making it the wood of choice for packing food into boxes and crates. However, the inner bark of this and other Basswoods is very tough, and the Native Americans cut it into thin strips and used it for rope, mats, and even bandages.

The stately appearance of American Basswood makes it a favorite shade tree for large areas, such as parks and aboreta. Its leaves are the largest of any of the native Basswoods. When found in the open, it may reach 80 feet tall by 40 feet wide, with its lower limbs pendulous but upswept at the tips. As a member of the Linden Family, it is related to the other Lindens