American linden, American basswood

Herbal tea made from linden is calming, antispasmodic and sweat inducing. Early settlers made rope by stripping fibres from the stem and bark of this tree and soaking them in water. They also used the fibres to make nets, mats, shoes and clothing. First Nations carved ceremonial masks from the sapwood of live trees. Linden is excellent wood for carving, woodworking and cabinetmaking. It is also used in making musical instruments and material for preserving and storing food.