1. Native / Non-native Status
Native to the UK and Europe. Widespread historically, though many wild populations declined after the Middle Ages.
2. Evergreen / Deciduous
Deciduous – leaves fall in autumn.
3. Appearance
Leaves: Heart-shaped, 3–8 cm wide, with finely serrated edges and a pointed tip. Glossy dark green above, bluish-green beneath with tufts of whitish hairs at vein axils. Arranged alternately.
Bark: Smooth and grey when young, developing shallow ridges and fissures with age.
Flowers/Fruit/Seeds: Strongly scented, yellow-white flowers in clusters, appearing in early summer. Attached to pale green bracts. Fruits are small, round, and nut-like, ripening in late summer.
Overall shape: A medium to large tree with a rounded crown and dense canopy.
4. Typical Size
17–22 m tall; crown spread 12–18 m.
5. Habitat & Range
Native across much of the UK, especially in ancient woodland and clay or loam soils. Tolerant of a range of conditions but favours fertile, moist but well-drained soils.
6. Distinctive Features (ID tips)
Small, heart-shaped leaves with tufts of pale hairs underneath.
Strongly fragrant flowers in early summer.
Dense, rounded crown with uniform form.
7. Seasonal Changes
Spring: Fresh green leaves unfurl.
Summer: Strongly scented yellow-white flowers; dense green canopy.
Autumn: Leaves turn pale yellow before falling.
Winter: Bare crown with smooth grey bark visible.
8. Human Uses
Flowers used for herbal teas (limeflower tea), thought to relieve colds and anxiety.
Timber light and fine-grained; used for carving, musical instruments, and furniture.
Historically coppiced for poles and charcoal.
9. Wildlife Value
Flowers provide abundant nectar, highly attractive to bees and other pollinators.
Leaves support aphids, which in turn feed birds and insects.
Dense canopy provides shelter for birds and bats.
10. Fun Fact / Cultural Note
In mythology, limes symbolised love, fertility, and community gatherings in many European traditions.
Ancient small-leaved lime woods (limewoods) were once a dominant feature of lowland England before widespread clearance.
11. Planting & Care (Basic Instructions)
Best time to plant: Late autumn or early spring.
Soil: Prefers fertile, moist, well-drained soils; tolerates clay, loam, and slightly acidic to alkaline conditions.
Light: Grows best in full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Water regularly until established; moderately drought-tolerant afterwards.
Spacing: 8–12 m apart for specimen planting; closer for avenues.
Aftercare: Mulch to conserve moisture. Protect young trees from browsing animals. Prune lightly in late winter to shape.
12. Good for Urban or Garden Setting?
Urban: Excellent in parks and avenues; tolerates pollution but may drop sticky honeydew from aphids.
Garden: Suitable for large gardens or estates, less so for small gardens due to size. Provides shade and ornamental flowers.