American basswood

Tilia americana L.

Family: Malvaceae

Pet & Human Safety

People: Not researchedPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

Not yet checked.

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

Not yet checked.

How complete this information is

We have not researched the safety of this plant yet.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

ASPCA lists linden as non-toxic to pets. ASPCA is the only source we found, and one source is not enough to call a plant safe for pets, so it is not assessed as safe. Keep pets from eating it. The extension sources do not mention any poison warning for this tree; absence on those pages is not an all-clear.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 3a to 8b per NC State; USDA 2 to 8 per UMN; USDA 3b hardy per Oregon State
Light: Full sun to part shade.
Water needs: moderate
Mature size: 60 to 80 ft tall and 30 to 60 ft wide (18 to 24 m tall, 9 to 18 m wide) per NC State. UMN says 60 to 100 ft tall and 30 to 50 ft wide. Narrower varieties exist, for example 'Boulevard' at 50 ft by 25 ft per UMN.
Where it comes from: Central and eastern North America; New Brunswick to Florida, west to Texas, north to Manitoba (NC State).

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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