Tree Information
Specialities
Tolerances
Wet Soil: Low
Dry Soil: High
Lime: Medium
Tilia platyphyllos ‘Aurea’ is a striking cultivar of the large-leaved lime tree, prized for its vibrant golden-yellow winter shoots. Often referred to as the Golden-Stemmed Lime, this tree is a showstopper in the colder months, its stems rivalling the colourful winter impact of willows and dogwoods. It’s commonly used as a pollard to amplify its seasonal colour, making it a top choice for designers seeking winter interest in public spaces or large gardens.
This cultivar retains the core characteristics of the parent species, Tilia platyphyllos, with a few key differences. Tilia platyphyllos ‘Aurea’ is a fast-growing, sizeable tree that forms a broad, columnar structure. Its round-ovate leaves with sharply toothed margins create a full canopy, ideal for providing shade in summer. In late June through early July, the tree produces clusters of fragrant flowers, attracting bees and other essential pollinators.
While Tilia platyphyllos ‘Aurea’ can produce basal suckers, it is less aggressive in this behaviour than Tilia europaea, making it more manageable in wider landscape settings. For tight urban planting, it’s best suited when maintained as a pollard or used on wide verges and open parkland.
It thrives in well-drained soils and full sun, and while it may be vulnerable to aphids (and the resulting honeydew), its overall landscape value far outweighs this minor concern. Whether used as a pollarded avenue tree or a majestic specimen, Tilia platyphyllos ‘Aurea’ brings seasonal drama and structural elegance to any landscape plan.
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Useful ResourcesSize
Medium/Large
10m high x 5m wide after 25 years
Environment
Can be pollarded to create a small tree suitable for small spaces. If left unpruned, it will become a large tree, ideal for parks and avenues.
Canopy
Branches are ascending, tree is broadly conical with a rounded crown.
Foliage
Green, broad, roundish-ovate, and sharply toothed.
Bark
Greyish-brown bark with vibrant golden-green-yellow twigs.
Flowers
Fragrant ivory flowers in summer.
Resilience
Fairly resilient and will do well in both moist and well-drained soil, as long as it's fertile. Prefers full sun or partial shade.
Wildlife
Flowers during summer are valuable for bees and other pollinators.
FAQs
What is Tilia platyphyllos 'Aurea' best known for?
Tilia platyphyllos ‘Aurea’ is most celebrated for its vibrant golden-yellow shoots, which are particularly eye-catching in winter. These golden stems make it a standout choice for seasonal interest and winter garden design.
Does 'Aurea' produce flowers like other limes?
Yes. From late June to early July, Tilia platyphyllos ‘Aurea’ produces fragrant, creamy-yellow flowers. These blooms are attractive to bees and pollinators, adding ecological value to its aesthetic appeal.
Is Tilia platyphyllos 'Aurea' prone to pests or diseases?
Like many lime trees, it can be susceptible to aphids, which produce a sticky substance known as honeydew. While this may be a nuisance in pedestrian heavy areas, it’s usually not a threat to the tree’s overall health.
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