The American linden(Tilia americana) is a deciduous tree native to North America. To identify a lime tree, you can look for the following characteristics:
Leaves: Lime leaves are large, heart-shaped and have serrated margins. Leaves are generally dark green on the upper surface and pale green underneath. They have prominent veins running from the center to the margins.
Leaf arrangement: The leaves are arranged alternately on the twigs.
Buds: Buds are reddish-brown and globular.
Bark: Younger trees have smooth, gray bark, while mature trees develop ridges and furrows. The bark can also be slightly scaly.
Flowers: They produce small, fragrant, yellowish-white flowers with five petals. They usually flower in late spring or early summer.
Fruits: Once the flowers have been pollinated, they turn into small, round fruits attached to a bract. These fruits are often green when young, turning brown as they ripen.
Growth habit: Lime trees can grow to be quite large, ranging from 18 to 24 meters in height with a crown 9 to 15 meters wide.
Habitat: Lindens are often found in moist, rich soils within deciduous forests and along streams. They prefer locations with good sun exposure.
Bear in mind that there are different species of basswood (Tilia) in different parts of North America, so some variations may exist. However, the above characteristics are generally applicable to identify most lime trees.
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