American Basswood (Tilia americana)

Common in the "Big Woods" of MN. This resourceful tree often suckers to soak-up as much light as possible. These suckers develop into trunks making one tree into a colosseum of green. Distinct from many other trees in MN because it blooms in summer instead of spring. Insects adore and freely pollinate the sweet-smelling clusters of flowers that produce "drupes" (fruiting body) that helicopter to the ground with help of a sail-like bract before the tree's yellow leaves blanket the forest floor. 

Plant it in the deepest shade. Eat the leaves in spring and make a tea from the flowers. An amazing shade tree that is massively underplanted in urban and suburban spaces. 

Drawing by Kelsey King 

Text by Preston Drum 

Proper Plant Profile Coming Soon...