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Common Lime

A popular tree for parks and streets. It’s vibrant lime green leaves make it highly distinctive.

Average height 20-40 metres

Broadleaf, Deciduous

Latin name; Tilia x europaea

Distribution; A native tree, but with particular prevelance in urban areas, where Lime trees are a popular street and park tree.

The blossom from the tree can be used to make tea, and is a mild sedative. It is also believed to relieve bronchial conditions.

On mainland Europe the tree is viewed a sign of liberty and was often planted to celebrate battles that were won for freedom.

The tree can carry large aphid populations and a honeydew can appear on everything underneath the tree canopy.

The bark of the tree is a distinct grey colour and trunks can grow up to 2 metres in diameter.

The tree flowers in early summer, in clusters of four to ten fragrant flowers. A rich nectar source for bees.

The stringy bark of the tree used to be used to make rope and mats, it’s wood is used in the making of pianos.

The tree became particularly popular in the 17th & 18th centuries amongst the landed gentry. An avenue of Limes was the must have feature for any discerning stately home owner!

The trees grow suckers at their bases, and these can be easily pruned as the tree is tolerant of prune backs. The lower branches can arch and droop as the tree matures, creating a cascading effect.

The Common Lime is the tallest broadleaf tree in Britain.