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The Daily Insight

What kind of Crown does a basswood tree have?

Author

Christopher Pierce

Published May 26, 2026

What kind of Crown does a basswood tree have?

Individual crown forms are consistent with an oval to pyramidal canopy shape. Crown density is tight and the tree’s growth rate is medium to rapid, depending on the site condition.

What is the scientific name of the basswood tree?

Taxonomy and Species Range. The scientific name of basswood is Tilia americana and is pronounced TILL-ee-uh uh-mair-ih-KAY-nuh. Common names include American basswood, American linden and bee-tree and the tree is a member of the plant family Tiliaceae. Basswood grows in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 8 and is native to North America.

Is it OK to remove branches from basswood tree?

Removing branches with weak crotches and embedded bark is advised even though the wood is flexible and will not often break from the trunk. Plant basswood as a specimen or shade tree only on property where there is plenty of area available for root expansion. Remember to remove basal sprouts that are prone to grow off the base of the trunk.

What’s the difference between a basswood and a linden tree?

It’s very similar in appearance to the American basswood, except for the hairs on the bottom surfaces of the leaves, which give them a whitish appearance. This linden tree is sometimes confused with silver basswood, but the leaf color is decidedly less silvery and more white.

How is the American basswood tree propagated?

The mushroom Pholiota squarrosoides is known to decay the logs of the tree. The American basswood can be propagated by cuttings and grafting as well as by seed. Propagated plants grow rapidly in a rich soil, but are susceptible to many pests.

How tall does a Carolina basswood tree get?

While easy to maintain, the variety can occasionally grow extra trunks that require early pruning. Carolina Basswood (Tilia caroliniana).The Carolina Basswood is characterized by its grey bark and abundant, fragrant white flowers. The variety is native to North America and will grow from anything between 40-100 feet tall.

Taxonomy and Species Range. The scientific name of basswood is Tilia americana and is pronounced TILL-ee-uh uh-mair-ih-KAY-nuh. Common names include American basswood, American linden and bee-tree and the tree is a member of the plant family Tiliaceae. Basswood grows in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 8 and is native to North America.

Removing branches with weak crotches and embedded bark is advised even though the wood is flexible and will not often break from the trunk. Plant basswood as a specimen or shade tree only on property where there is plenty of area available for root expansion. Remember to remove basal sprouts that are prone to grow off the base of the trunk.