Overview of Tilia ×vulgaris Hayne (pro sp.)
Tilia ×vulgaris Hayne (pro sp.), also known as the common lime, is a deciduous tree that is native to Europe and western Asia. It is a member of the tilia (lime) genus, which is part of the Tilioideae subfamily in the Malvaceae family. The common lime is a hybrid of Tilia cordata Mill. (small-leaved lime) and Tilia platyphyllos Scop. (large-leaved lime).
Common Names of Tilia ×vulgaris Hayne (pro sp.)
The common lime is known by a variety of names in different countries and regions of the world. In English-speaking countries, it is commonly referred to as the common lime, while in German-speaking countries it is known as the Sommerlinde or Winterlinde, depending on whether it is a summer or winter flowering tree. In France, it is known as the Tilleul à grandes feuilles and in Italy it is called the Tiglio comune.
Uses of Tilia ×vulgaris Hayne (pro sp.)
The common lime has a long history of use in traditional medicine and is still used today for a variety of health purposes. The flowers of the tree are used to make a tea that is believed to help promote relaxation and calmness, while the leaves are used to treat fever and other symptoms of the common cold. The wood of the common lime is also highly prized for its light weight, fine grain, and ease of carving, making it a popular choice for making musical instruments, furniture, and other decorative items.
Appearance of Tilia ×vulgaris Hayne (pro sp.)
The common lime is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 40 meters in height. It has a straight, cylindrical trunk with a grayish-brown bark that is smooth when young, but becomes furrowed with age. The leaves of the common lime are large, heart-shaped, and have a pointed apex. They are dark green on the upper surface and paler green on the underside. The flowers of the common lime are fragrant and yellowish-white in color, and are arranged in clusters of 5 to 10 at the end of slender stem.
Growth Conditions for Tilia ×vulgaris Hayne
Tilia ×vulgaris Hayne, also known as the common lime or European Linden, is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 130 feet tall. Here are the typical growth conditions that this tree requires:
Light Requirements
Tilia ×vulgaris Hayne thrives in full sun to partial shade. It needs at least six hours of direct sunlight every day to grow well. The tree can tolerate shade, but prolonged periods of low light can reduce its growth rate and affect its overall health.
Temperature Requirements
The common lime tree can grow in a wide range of temperatures, from USDA zones 3a to 8b. The ideal temperature range for growth is between 60°F to 70°F, though the tree can tolerate both hotter and colder conditions. During the winter, the tree goes dormant and can tolerate temperatures as low as -22°F.
Soil Requirements
Tilia ×vulgaris Hayne prefers well-drained, fertile soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.5). The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. The tree can grow in a variety of soil types, including loam, clay, and sand. It is important to note that the tree has shallow roots and can be sensitive to soil disturbance or compaction, which can affect its growth and health.
Cultivation Methods for Tilia ×vulgaris
Tilia ×vulgaris, also known as the common lime or European linden, is a deciduous tree that thrives in temperate climates. It can be grown in full sun or partial shade and prefers well-drained soil that is rich in nutrients. It is best to plant Tilia ×vulgaris in the fall or early spring when the soil is moist and temperatures are cooler.
You should prepare the planting site by digging a hole that is twice the size of the root ball and filling it with a mixture of soil, compost, and bone meal. Place the tree in the hole and backfill it with soil, tamping down lightly to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting.
Watering Needs for Tilia ×vulgaris
Tilia ×vulgaris requires regular watering, especially during the first two years after planting. It is essential to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. The tree should be watered deeply once a week unless rainfall is adequate. In periods of drought, the tree may require additional watering to prevent stress.
Fertilization for Tilia ×vulgaris
Tilia ×vulgaris benefits from an annual application of fertilizer in the fall or early spring. A balanced fertilizer that contains equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is ideal. You can also add organic matter, such as compost, to the soil around the base of the tree to enhance nutrient uptake. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers and fruit.
Pruning for Tilia ×vulgaris
Tilia ×vulgaris requires minimal pruning. Dead or damaged branches should be removed promptly to prevent disease and infection. You can also prune to shape the tree or control its size, but be careful not to remove too much foliage, as this can harm the tree's health. It is best to prune in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Propagation of Tilia ×vulgaris
Tilia ×vulgaris, also known as common lime or common linden, is propagated by several methods. These methods include:
Seed Propagation
Tilia ×vulgaris can be propagated through seeds. The seeds are collected when they are fully ripened and can be directly sown in seedbeds or containers. The soil used for seed propagation should be well-draining and fertile. The seeds must be kept moist and can take three to four weeks to germinate. Once the seedlings have grown to a height of around 20-25 cm, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Cuttings Propagation
Softwood cuttings of Tilia ×vulgaris are taken during the summer season. The cuttings should be around 10-15 cm in length and can be rooted in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before being placed into the soil. The cuttings must be kept moist and humid until rooted and can take around four to six weeks to root. Once rooted, the cuttings can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Air-layering Propagation
Air-layering is another propagation method for Tilia ×vulgaris. This method involves wounding the bark and creating a small cavity in the stem of the parent plant. The cavity is then filled with a media such as peat moss or sphagnum moss, which is kept moist until roots develop. Once roots have formed, the branch can be cut below the air-layer and transplanted.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting is a common propagation method for Tilia ×vulgaris. The method involves joining a scion of the desired cultivar onto a rootstock of a closely related species. The scion and rootstock are bound together and allowed to grow together. The rootstock provides a sturdy base, while the scion provides the desired qualities of the cultivar. Grafting is typically done in early spring and the grafted plant is then transplanted to its permanent location.
Disease Management
The Tilia ×vulgaris Hayne (pro sp.) is generally resistant to many diseases. Despite its natural resistance, the plant can still get affected by disease if not properly taken care of. Here are some common diseases and ways to manage them:
Canker Diseases
Canker diseases are fungal infections that usually affect the bark and branches of a tree. They can cause wilting, branch dieback, leaf drop, and even death. To manage canker diseases, remove all infected branches and twigs, and ensure to sterilize all equipment used for pruning.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal infection that affects the leaves and twigs of trees. It appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves and can cause them to curl and eventually drop. To manage powdery mildew, apply a fungicide spray to the foliage of the tree early in the season.
Root Rot
Root rot is a fungal infection that affects the roots of trees. It causes the roots to rot, which can result in the death of the tree. To manage root rot, make sure that the soil around the tree is well-drained, and avoid overwatering the tree.
Pest Management
The Tilia ×vulgaris Hayne (pro sp.) is susceptible to a few pest attacks. Some common pests that can affect the plant include:
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can be found feeding on the leaves and shoots of trees. They can cause leaves to curl, yellow, and drop. To manage aphids, spray the tree with a strong jet of water to knock them off the leaves, or apply insecticidal soap to the leaves.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the underside of leaves, causing them to appear speckled or discolored. To manage spider mites, apply a miticide spray to the tree early in the season.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small pests that can be found on the bark, leaves, and branches of trees. They can cause leaves to yellow, wilt, and drop. To manage scale insects, apply horticultural oil to the affected areas of the tree, or prune out heavily infested branches.
