Lindens are deciduous trees widely used in ornamentation. They have a very attractive foliage, fragrant summer blossoms, and an even shape that makes for easy maintenance.
American basswood is a tree of upright bearing with ascending arched branches. It can reach a height of 25 m. in good conditions. Its heart-shaped leaves are much larger than those of the littleleaf linden (Tilia cordata). American basswood produces very fragrant creamy yellow flowers that bloom in late June, in pedunculated bouquets of 5-10 flowers attached to a leaf bract. It also produces a round fruit capsule that drops off in autumn with the falling leaves.