Basswood
Tilia americana
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Mar 9, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
About Basswood
American Basswood (Tilia americana) is a large deciduous shade tree of eastern North America (zones 2–8) with fragrant, bee-attracting summer flowers and broad heart-shaped leaves. It is not suited for NE Florida's zone 9b heat and is included here for reference only. Starting at $44.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring, Summer
- Flower Color
- Yellow
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- Loam, Clay, Acidic, Well-drained
Best planting months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. New foliage emerges. Good planting window.
Bloom season.
Foliage may begin to change or drop. Ideal planting window.
Dormant — drops foliage. Can be planted in mild winter periods.
Care essentials
American Basswood grows in full sun to part shade, but is poorly adapted to NE Florida zone 9b — it is rated for zones 2–8 and suffers in the persistent heat and humidity of North Florida summers. Not recommended for this region.
Basswood prefers consistently moist, fertile soils; however, it is not suitable for NE Florida zone 9b due to heat and soil limitations. Retail nurseries in this region should not stock this species.
Tilia americana grows best in deep, moist, well-drained loam or clay-loam soils in cooler climates (zones 2–8). It is not recommended for zone 9b NE Florida due to heat intolerance.
Similar needs
Pignut Hickory
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, loam, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Red Maple
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, loam, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Sugarberry
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, loam, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Tropical Hydrangea
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, loam, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Wildfire Black Gum
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, loam, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Bald Cypress
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, loam, and zone 9a hardiness.
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Common questions
Is Basswood a good plant for St. Augustine?
Basswood is a tree for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 50-80 feet × 35-50 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.