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Tilia platyphyllos

Tilia platyphyllos is a tall deciduous tree reaching up to 30m in height, growing on limestone soils.Smooth dark green leaves growing alternate on its stems, heartshaped 12cm in length,sharply toothed and pointed. Sweet scented greenish yellow flowers are produced in clusters of 4-15 with a leaf like bract in early July. These turn into nuts which are smooth or with a slight rib which shed with the bract as well. The wood is soft and grained making it ideal for carving  and because it does not warp it is still used to make piano keys. Its handsome shape has made a favourite for parks and avenues. 

Collect nuts from tree when bracts turn brown. Stratify immediately and sow in spring germination will probably occur the following year. They can be preteated.

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