Tilia x euchlora

Tilia x europaea, commonly known as the Caucasian Lime, is a large, majestic deciduous tree that naturally hybridises between Tilia cordata and Tilia platyphyllos. This hybrid thrives in regions where both parents coexist, growing to heights often exceeding 60 feet (around 18 meters).

Because it can easily be propagated through layering, Tilia x europaea has been widely planted across the UK and Europe, especially in historic lime avenues lining stately homes and grand entrances. Its impressive stature and graceful form make it a favourite for traditional landscape designs.

However, the Caucasian Lime produces abundant suckers from its base, which can be problematic for maintenance. For this reason, it is less suited to urban areas like streets or car parks where sucker control is difficult. Additionally, this lime is prone to aphid infestations, resulting in sticky honeydew deposits and sooty moulds on nearby surfaces.

Despite these challenges, Tilia x europaea supports diverse wildlife. Its flowers attract bees, the primary pollinators, as well as butterflies and other beneficial insects, enriching urban biodiversity.

For those seeking a similar tree with fewer maintenance issues, Tilia x europaea ‘Pallida‘ is an excellent selection. It has a more conical habit and produces much less suckering, making it a popular choice for formal avenues and urban planting.