American linden (Tilia americana 'Redmond')
The majestic Tilia americana 'Redmond', or American linden, offers fragrant June blooms and develops into a superior, dense shade tree ideal for large landscapes.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Tilia americana ‘Redmond’ cultivar is prized among arborists and homeowners for its dense, pyramidal form which matures gracefully into a large, handsome shade tree. This American linden variety maintains the classic appeal of its species while offering uniform growth. Its aesthetic appeal is heightened during the early summer when the tree produces wonderfully fragrant, pale yellow flowers.
This deciduous tree is robust, establishing well in a wide range of climates across USDA Zones 2 through 8. While it can tolerate some drought once established, the American linden thrives best with consistent moisture and fertile soil. Gardeners select Tilia americana ‘Redmond’ when they require a substantial, long-lived specimen capable of providing deep shade.
The practical benefits of this tree extend beyond its shade canopy; the abundant flowers are intensely attractive to honeybees, making it an excellent choice for supporting local pollinator populations. Planting Tilia americana ‘Redmond’ is an investment in the long-term structure and ecological health of a large landscape setting.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Malvaceae
- Plant Type: Tree
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 2-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 50-70 ft
- Spread: 30-45 ft
- Bloom Time: June
- Bloom Description: Pale yellow
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Plant Tilia americana ‘Redmond’ during the dormant season—either early spring before bud break or in the late fall after leaf drop—to encourage strong root establishment. Select a location that allows for its mature size, ensuring ample room for its 30 to 45-foot spread. This tree performs best in average, medium moisture, well-drained loams, preferring fertile ground over poor soil conditions.
Once planted, aim for consistent watering, especially through the first few growing seasons, to help the root system develop fully. While the mature American linden shows some drought tolerance, supplemental watering during hot, dry spells is beneficial. Fertilization is rarely necessary if the soil is fertile, but a soil test can determine needs. Minimal pruning is usually required due to the cultivar’s naturally upright and dense habit.
Prune only to remove crossing or damaged limbs, usually during late winter. Be aware that while this specific American linden is generally hardy, it is noted for intolerance to significant air pollution and harsh urban environments, making it better suited for larger suburban or rural properties rather than tight city streets.
Landscape Uses
The primary application for Tilia americana ‘Redmond’ is as a premier shade provider. Its dense, ovate-rounded crown makes it an excellent specimen tree placed strategically to intercept summer sun over patios, lawns, or driveways. When used in large park settings or estate grounds, it creates beautiful, cooling groves suitable for picnics or walking paths.
As a Flowering Tree, it certainly warrants placement where its June bloom can be appreciated, perhaps near vistas or windows. Although excellent as a handsome ornamental, gardeners should carefully consider its intolerance to intense urban pollution when planning street plantings, perhaps opting for more resilient European linden cultivars in those spots.
For underplanting, choose materials that appreciate similar moisture levels but do not compete heavily with a massive root system. Consider low-growing perennials or shade-tolerant groundcovers that thrive in the dappled light cast by the maturing American linden canopy.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Fragrant
Fruit Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
The American linden is characterized by large, ovate dark green leaves, often reaching six inches long, which contrast beautifully with the sweetly fragrant, pale yellow flowers borne in June. This species provides significant interest for pollinators, as bees frequently visit the blooms to such an extent that their humming can be heard from a distance; the resulting honey is highly valued. The cultivar ‘Redmond’ generally maintains a more pyramidal shape than the straight species, growing to a stately 50-70 feet tall.
Tolerances
- Drought
- Clay Soil
Potential Problems
Tilia americana ‘Redmond’ is generally recognized for having few truly serious pest or disease issues, contributing to its low maintenance score. However, monitoring for Verticillium wilt is crucial, as this fungal infection can be fatal to infected trees.
Less severe issues often include cosmetic concerns like powdery mildew, minor leaf spots, or cankers, which usually do not threaten tree health significantly. Gardeners should also watch for insect activity such as borers, scale, and lacebugs, especially when the tree is stressed by hot, dry periods, which can encourage spider mite damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is American linden suitable for?
Tilia americana ‘Redmond’ is reliably hardy across USDA Zones 2 through 8, offering a wide range of suitability in temperate climates.
How large does Tilia americana ‘Redmond’ grow?
This tree typically reaches mature heights between 50 and 70 feet, with a substantial spread ranging from 30 to 45 feet wide.
What sun exposure does American linden need?
For optimal health and flowering, the Tilia americana ‘Redmond’ requires placement in full sun to partial shade conditions.
When does American linden bloom?
The American linden blooms in June, producing clusters of fragrant, pale yellow flowers.
Conclusion
The selection of Tilia americana ‘Redmond’ provides any landscape with a durable, magnificent specimen tree known for its attractive form and highly aromatic summertime flowers. As a low-maintenance choice that rewards gardeners with significant shade and ecological value, this American linden is an excellent foundation plant. Before installing, confirm that your site offers the medium moisture levels and fertile soil that this superb tree requires to reach its full potential.
Wildlife Benefits
The blooming period of the American linden in June is a key ecological event for many beneficial insects, notably honeybees. When Tilia americana ‘Redmond’ is in full flower, the profusion of nectar draws bees in massive numbers, often creating an audible hum around the tree. This heavy pollination activity is vital for local ecosystems.
Furthermore, the small nutlets that follow the flowers ripen by late summer, providing a modest food source for various birds throughout the fall and early winter. The dense structure of the ‘Redmond’ cultivar also offers excellent cover and nesting architecture for smaller songbirds.
Companion Planting
When designing plantings around this large specimen, focus on species that share the preference for medium moisture and well-drained soil, while thriving under the filtered light provided by the American linden canopy. Hostas and Astilbes are excellent choices for the understory, bringing contrasting leaf textures and colors to the base of the tree.
For larger companion trees or shrubs on the borders of the property, consider native understory trees that tolerate dappled light, such as Witch Hazel (Hamamelis) varieties, or robust flowering shrubs like Hydrangea paniculata, provided they are kept at a respectful distance to avoid root competition.
