Linden trees, often known as Basswood in North America, are found across the United States in both natural ecosystems and cultivated settings. Several native species anchor the forests of the East and Midwest. Non-native linden varieties are also widely cultivated, extending the tree’s presence into urban and suburban environments across the continent.
The Primary Native Species Range
The most prevalent native linden is the American Basswood (Tilia americana), which dominates central and eastern hardwood woodlands. Its natural range stretches from southwestern New Brunswick and New England, west through Quebec and Ontario into southeastern Manitoba. This distribution continues south through the Great Lakes region, the Ohio Valley, and the Upper Mississippi Valley, reaching northeastern Oklahoma and western North Carolina.
This species thrives in mesic sites, preferring deep, moist, well-drained soils rich in nutrients. It is a frequent component of mixed deciduous forests, often co-dominating alongside sugar maple in parts of central Minnesota and western Wisconsin. American Basswood develops best in areas with a continental climate, characterized by cold winters and warm summers, and soils with a neutral to slightly basic pH.
Southern and Localized Native Habitats
Beyond the broad range of the American Basswood, other native species occupy more specialized, geographically restricted areas in the southern United States. One example is the Carolina Basswood (Tilia caroliniana), native to the Deep South. This species is found from South Carolina west to eastern Texas, typically at lower elevations across the Coastal Plain and Piedmont regions.
The Carolina Basswood prefers moist, rich woods, often occurring in bottomlands and river valleys. Another localized native is the White Basswood (Tilia heterophylla), sometimes classified as a variety of American Basswood. This population is concentrated in the southern Appalachian Mountains, growing in the mixed mesophytic forests of higher elevations.
Widespread Introduced Species in Urban Settings
Linden trees are also found in a vast, non-native distribution due to their popularity as ornamental and street trees. The Littleleaf Linden (Tilia cordata), native to Europe, is the most commonly introduced variety. This tree is cultivated widely across the entire country, including regions where native Basswood species do not naturally occur, such as the Plains states and parts of the West Coast.
The Littleleaf Linden is valued for its robust tolerance of air pollution, compacted soil, and other harsh conditions common to city environments. Its use as a substitute for native species in urban areas has led to its successful establishment as a shade tree along boulevards and in parks throughout numerous cities. This cultivated presence expands the geographical footprint of linden trees far beyond their original ranges.