Tree Species: Common lime (Tilia × europaea)

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Hybrid between Small-leaved Lime (Tilia cordata) and Large-leaved Lime (Tilia platyphyllos). Not native but widely planted in Britain since the 17th century, now very common in streets, parks, and estates.

Deciduous – leaves fall in autumn.

Leaves: Heart-shaped, 6–12 cm long, with serrated edges and pointed tips. Glossy green above, paler beneath. Unlike its parents, the underside usually has hairs in vein axils that are whitish (like cordata) but sometimes more mixed. Arranged alternately.

Bark: Grey and smooth in young trees, developing into ridged, fissured bark with age.

Flowers/Fruit/Seeds: Clusters of strongly scented yellow-white flowers in summer, attached to pale green bracts. Fruits are small, round, nut-like, with a hard, smooth to slightly ribbed shell.

Overall shape: Large, broad-crowned tree with a symmetrical rounded canopy. Often produces abundant suckers from the base.

20–30 m tall; spread 12–20 m.

Not naturally occurring in the wild; widely planted across the UK in streets, parks, and avenues. Thrives in fertile soils, tolerates pollution, and is very common in urban areas.

Abundant basal suckers around the trunk (unlike small-leaved and large-leaved limes).

Intermediate leaf size between the parent species.

Common in streets and parks rather than ancient woodland.

Spring: Fresh green leaves emerge.

Summer: Scented flowers attract pollinators; dense shade forms.

Autumn: Leaves turn pale yellow before dropping.

Winter: Bare crown; suckers often visible at base.

Widely planted as an avenue and shade tree.

Timber is soft, fine-grained, and used for carving, musical instruments, and furniture.

Flowers occasionally used for herbal tea.

Flowers produce abundant nectar and attract bees, hoverflies, and pollinators.

Aphids thrive on lime leaves, producing honeydew that feeds other insects but can be a nuisance on streets (sticky cars/pavements).

Provides roosting sites for bats and nesting for birds.

Common lime has been the most widely planted avenue tree in Britain since the 17th century, often forming dramatic formal landscapes.

The hybrid was deliberately favoured because of its fast growth and symmetrical form.

Best time to plant: Late autumn or early spring.

Soil: Prefers fertile, moist, well-drained loams; tolerates clay and chalk.

Light: Grows best in full sun to partial shade.

Watering: Water young trees regularly until established; tolerates moderate drought once mature.

Spacing: 8–12 m for avenues; 12–15 m for specimen trees.

Aftercare: Mulch base to conserve moisture. Prune to remove basal suckers regularly. Little other pruning required beyond deadwood removal.

Urban: Excellent – pollution tolerant and widely used in streets and parks. Sticky honeydew can be an issue for pavements and cars.

Garden: Suitable for large gardens and estates but too big for small plots. Basal suckers can be a nuisance in smaller settings.