Tilia platyphyllos

Tilia platyphyllos, commonly known as the large-leaved lime, is a majestic deciduous tree renowned for its lush canopy, fragrant flowers, and ecological value. Native to parts of England and mainland Europe, this species is widely used in parks, large gardens, and avenue planting schemes thanks to its broad crown and graceful form.

The heart-shaped leaves of Tilia platyphyllos are large, conspicuously toothed, and covered with fine hairs, sparser on the upper surface, denser underneath. These leaves appear earlier in the season than those of Tilia cordata, and are significantly larger, offering excellent summer shade and a rich, green presence.

In late spring and early summer, Tilia platyphyllos produces pendulous clusters of pale-yellow, highly fragrant flowers. These blossoms are a magnet for bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects, supporting local biodiversity and making the tree a favourite in pollinator friendly planting schemes. The flowers are followed by small, rounded fruits that ripen in late summer.

Structurally, the large-leaved lime forms a balanced, rounded canopy atop a broadly columnar shape, making it ideal for structured landscape use. It’s adaptable to various soil types, preferring fertile, well-drained conditions, and demonstrates good tolerance to urban pollution, further enhancing its suitability for street planting and public spaces.

Whether planted as a stately specimen or in uniform rows, Tilia platyphyllos brings ornamental beauty and ecological function to every setting.