Tilia x europaea ‘Pallida’

Tilia x europaea ‘Pallida’, also known as Common Lime, is a majestic, deciduous tree ideal for formal avenues, streetscapes, and large gardens. Growing up to 30 metres in height, this lime tree is distinguished by its broadly conical crown, upright branching, and graceful leaf shape.

Its mid-green ovate leaves have serrated edges and yellow-green undersides. In spring and early summer, leaves emerge earlier than many other lime varieties and develop their autumn colours slightly sooner as well. Another notable advantage of ‘Pallida’ over Tilia x europaea is its reduced suckering, making it easier to maintain.

One of the most iconic plantings of Tilia x europaea ‘Pallida’ is in Berlin along Unter den Linden. Originally lined with lime trees dating back to the 17th century, the avenue was replanted in 1950 with Pallida after the war-ravaged city lost most of its original trees.

While ‘Pallida’ is largely easy to care for, it can be susceptible to aphid infestations, which may cause honeydew and subsequent sooty mould. Still, its ornamental and ecological value far outweighs this seasonal inconvenience.