Linden has always been respected and considered a source of vitality. This tree is an excellent cure for depression and hypochondria. Among the linden trees a person feels comfort, warmth and tranquility. Let's see if it is possible to grow a linden tree on the site and how difficult it is to plant and care for this beauty.

Choosing a place to plant linden on the site

Although linden belongs to unpretentious plants, but it must be taken into account that it loves sunny places. The soil may not be very fertile, but well drained. Linden feels great on sandstones fertilized with humus.

Important! When choosing a place for planting, it is necessary to take into account that an adult linden tree is quite large in size.

When is the best time to plant

Although this is an unpretentious tree, the lifespan of a linden tree depends on how correctly the tree was planted. The easiest time to transplant linden seedlings is in cool, damp weather. Best time for planting linden - autumn.

You can plant seedlings in the spring, but young shoots are very sensitive to frost.

Planting young linden seedlings

Linden reproduces well by seeds, stem cuttings and root shoots. However, this tree is most often propagated by seedlings.

Before planting the linden tree, holes are prepared. For standard seedlings 50-70 cm high, the hole should be 50 cm in diameter and 50 cm deep.

Drainage (10-15 cm) is poured into the bottom of the hole - pebbles, crushed stone, broken brick. This layer is covered with humus diluted with superphosphate (50-60 g).

A seedling is placed in the prepared hole and covered with soil mixture (1 part turf soil, 2 parts each humus and sand). The optimal pH level is 6.5-7.5.

If several seedlings are planted, the distance between the holes should be 3-4 meters, if hedge from linden, the distance is reduced to two meters.

Although linden tolerates replanting normally, when planting seedlings you should be careful with the rhizome. The root collar of the seedling should remain at ground level. If the neck is a little lower, this is not critical for the linden.
After planting and for the first 7-8 days, the seedlings are watered abundantly.

In order for water to accumulate at the location of the linden root system, it is necessary to form a near-trunk hole.

Did you know? Linden is the same age as dinosaurs. She withstood both the Ice Age and global warming. Lipa can be called the only witness to great events. In the Middle Ages, ladies made dates under the shade of linden trees, and in the 18th century, in honor of the great French Revolution, thousands of linden trees were planted in Paris. Since that time, the linden tree has become a tree of happiness and freedom.

Like many crops, linden has its own cultivation techniques, which include watering, fertilizing, pruning and weed removal.

Watering and fertilizing

Linden is very demanding when it comes to watering, especially at the seedling stage.

In adulthood, the tree tolerates short drought quite well. However, in dry times it is necessary additional watering at the rate of 1 bucket per 1 sq. m. projections of the linden crown.

In order for the tree to delight with its beauty and lush flowering, you need to know how and what to feed the linden tree in the spring. At the beginning of spring, fertilizer is applied from mullein (1 kg), urea (15 g), ammonium nitrate(25 g), diluted in ten liters of water.

In the fall, it is enough to fertilize the linden tree with 15-20 grams of nitroammophoska.

Did you know? Linden has long been revered by the Slavs. It is not for nothing that many settlements are associated with this tree: Lipetsk, Lipnyany, Lipki, Lipovitsa, Podlipki.

Removing weeds and loosening the soil

Weed removal is important point when caring for a linden tree, their presence inhibits the growth of the tree. In addition, simultaneously with removing weeds, it is necessary to loosen the soil (to a depth of 10-15 cm) to ensure access of oxygen to the roots. It is optimal to carry out loosening 2-3 times per season.

Mulching

Mulching, like pruning linden, is an important point when growing a tree. Mulching trunk circle peat, fallen leaves, wood chips, sawdust or peat compost. The layer height should be 8-12 cm.

Did you know? Linden is popularly called lutoshka, lutokha, lubnyak, bastweed.

Haircut and trimming

The first pruning of seedlings can be done the next year after planting. Pruning is carried out not only to form the linden crown, but also for sanitary purposes.
in winter and in early spring cut dry branches. Linden growing in the form of a hedge is pruned in the first year in early spring and late summer. Subsequently, such a haircut is carried out 4-5 times per season.

Important! During the first haircut, you cannot shorten the branches by more than 1/3.

Disease and pest control

Most often, linden is affected by diseases such as:

• perforated and black spot (control methods: destruction of fallen fruits and leaves as sources of infection, treatment of shoots with 1% Bordeaux mixture);
• white rot (copper-containing preparations, for example copper sulfate, are used to combat it).

In addition to these diseases, linden pests such as:

To combat these pests, young trees are sprayed with insecticides. In addition to insects, birds and rodents harm the linden tree.

Selection of partners and use of linden in design

Linden is widely used in landscape design. Due to the compactness of the densely leafed crown, good shade tolerance and undemandingness to watering and soil, different kinds linden trees are planted in city squares, parks, boulevards, forest plantations and summer cottages. Linden also takes root well in an aggressive urban environment - it tolerates dust, smoke, gas pollution and dirt well.

They like to use linden for landscaping due to its decorative value at any time of the year. In spring, delicate greenish leaves bloom on the linden tree, and in summer the dense crown provides reliable shade. Especially good blooming linden when it is covered with fragrant flowers. In autumn, the foliage takes on a bright yellow hue, which provides warmth in cloudy weather. Against the background of snow, the linden tree amazes with the bizarre outline of its branches.
Linden is grown as a hedge, bosquets, berso and green walls. Such forms are used today to design parks. Linden looks good in single plantings and in groups of trees of various sizes and species. When composing plant compositions, it is necessary to take into account how quickly the linden grows and what role it will play in this: to become the main accent or to highlight the advantages of other plants.

Important! In roadside plantings, linden can suffer from salt, gas pollution and dust. In such conditions, the plant is more susceptible to diseases and pests.

Most often in landscape design the following varieties of linden are used:

1. American (black). The birthplace of this linden tree is North America. It grows up to 40 meters, has a wide ovoid crown.
2. Fine-grained. Homeland - Europe and Western Siberia. It is distinguished by small compact leaves and a medium-sized ovoid crown.
3. Silver. A wild-growing species with original silvery foliage.
4. Rubra. Tall tree with a conical crown. It is distinguished by the bright coral color of its young shoots.
5. Common linden. Beautiful view with a large crown for single landing and group.

The question “what to plant next to the linden tree” can be given a definite answer: almost all shrubs, trees, herbs. Linden looks most harmonious with:

• oak;
• beech;
• maple;
• rowan.

Since linden is a long-lived tree, its plantings can be used without renewal for up to two hundred years.

Did you know? Linden flower can be represented as a formula: *К5С5А5+5+5+5G(5)

Linden - medicine and valuable honey plant

Due to the presence of biologically active substances, linden is distinguished by beneficial properties.

Linden – tall woody plant. The genus includes up to 45 species of trees and large shrubs. Linden appeared on earth 70 million years ago. It withstood the warming period and survived the Ice Age, and witnessed important historical events. The linden tree has long been considered a symbol of happiness and freedom.

Description.

Linden is a tall tree with a spreading crown. The leaves are obliquely heart-shaped or heart-shaped with serrated edges arranged alternately. When the leaves bloom, the stipules fall off. The flowers are collected in inflorescences resembling an umbrella. The fruit is nut-shaped and may have 1-2 seeds.

Linden is a long-lived tree. Specimens are known to have lived for 1200 years. The linden alley pleases the eye not only with the beauty of its spreading crown and the delicate aroma of flowers in white and yellow shades, but is also valued for its medicinal properties. Linden flowers have long been used by home healers in folk medicine for the treatment of colds.

IN natural conditions linden blooms only in the 20th year of life, and in park areas flowering can occur 30 years after planting. During the blooming of flowers, which occurs in June-July, the air is filled with a subtle, enchanting and sweetish aroma that spreads far beyond the linden alleys.

Beneficial features.

Small-leaved linden is considered an excellent honey plant. In traditional medicine, only linden flowers are used as a remedy, traditional healers All parts of the plant are used to treat diseases. Procurement of raw materials on a large scale is carried out only when the linden tree reaches 90 years of age.

Collection and storage of medicinal raw materials.

Only benign inflorescences with stipules are of value. During collection, do not cut off flowers with darkened bracts, holes from leaf beetles, or signs of rust. You cannot collect flowers from linden trees growing near the apiary.

You need to harvest raw materials during flowering, when half of the flowers in the inflorescence have bloomed, and the second half is still in the bud stage. The collected inflorescences must be dried in the shade or in a dryer. During drying, the temperature should not exceed 40-45 ºC.

Dried inflorescences should be placed in a paper bag or cloth bag and placed in a dark place. During storage, the bags should not be pressed down with anything, as the raw materials can be easily crushed. Dried inflorescences retain their medicinal properties within 2 years.

From 1 kg. flowers yield 300 g of dried raw materials. This amount is enough for a family for 2 years. Therefore, you should not procure raw materials in large volumes.

Linden flowers contain essential oils, flavonoids, tannins and bitter substances, wax and carotene, a sufficient amount of vitamins, macro- and microelements. Preparations based on linden blossom are used to increase urination and sweating. Linden flowers have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

Tea made from flowers helps with fever, treats flu and chronic bronchitis. Prepared infusions of linden blossom are used for lotions and rinsing of the mouth, when ulcers appear, and for inflammation. Recommended for the treatment of gingivitis, sore throat, stomatitis, laryngitis. Lotions and poultices help with swelling, ulcers, and inflammation of hemorrhoids. Linden infusion can be used to wipe oily facial skin.

You should not overuse infusions and tea, as linden blossom has a stimulating effect on the nervous system and affects the functioning of the heart. If there is sand in the urine, it is recommended to prepare an infusion of linden flowers with sage. In addition to flowers, linden charcoal, obtained from dried twigs and tree bark, is used to treat diseases. Taking charcoal is recommended for poisoning to absorb toxic substances, for gastrointestinal diseases, tuberculosis, and diarrhea.

Linden tar is used to treat eczema and long-term non-healing wounds. In case of a strong cough, when sputum is difficult to separate, a cloth smeared with tar is applied to the back in the area between the shoulder blades. After 2 days, the cloth should be changed.

Linden buds are used to treat burns and inflammation of the mammary glands. They have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Linden bark enhances the formation of bile. The bark is harvested in winter, after which it is dried in a warm room or in a dryer, and crushed. You can take it in the form of crushed powder or brew tea. Young linden bark contains mucus, so it is used to treat hemorrhoids, gout and severe burns.

Linden fruits are used to stop nosebleeds, and the powder is applied to wounds. Linden leaves relieve headaches and can be applied to boils.

Linden honey is considered the highest quality. One bee colony can produce up to 10 kg per season. honey Flowers release nectar early in the morning and in the evening, so at this time the linden tree is “humming” with bees. Fresh honey has a pleasant smell and is greenish or light yellow in color.

Wood.

The wood cannot be deformed, although it is very soft. Used for making plywood, drawing boards, containers for grape pressure. Linden wood is also valued by wood carvers, as it has a pure White color and easy to cut. Musical instruments are made from wood.

Landing.

Linden can adapt to any growing conditions. Under natural conditions, the tree is ready to grow on any soil; when grown on site, it prefers fertile soil. When digging up a young seedling, care must be taken not to damage the root system. Light damage will not destroy the plant, but with an intact root system, it will be easier for the plant to take root and it will begin to grow faster.

To plant, you need to dig a hole 50 cm deep and 70 cm wide. A layer of pebbles or crushed stone 10 cm thick should be placed at the bottom of the hole. Then mix humus with superphosphate and cover the drainage layer with the resulting mixture.

When planting a seedling, the root collar is placed level with the ground and fertile soil is added to the hole: a mixture of turf soil with sand and humus, taken in a ratio of 1:2:2.

After landing young tree water abundantly. For 2 years, fertilizing with nitrogen-containing fertilizers is necessary 3 times per season. It is recommended to use mullein infusion in a proportion of 1 kg. on a bucket of water.

Care.

A year after planting, the linden tree can be cultivated to form a crown. The tree should be trimmed in early spring, before the buds swell, shortening the shoots by 1/3 of their length. Behind growing season the linden tree will have many new shoots, so in the fall it will be possible to trim the crown again.

Feeding.

Linden is fertilized 2 times per season: in spring and autumn. For the first feeding, use a solution: 10 liters. take 1 kg of water. mullein, mix well and add 25 g of ammonium nitrate. Urea cannot be added, since when combined with nitrate, nitrogen will quickly evaporate. With autumn watering 10 liters. add 20 g of nitroammophoska to water.

Watering.

Young trees develop well only in moist soil; adult plants can tolerate short-term drought. Watering is required only during dry periods. To find out how much water is required, you need to determine the size of the crown. For 1 m2 of crown projection you will need 2 buckets of water.

Soil care in the tree trunk circle.

During the season, it is necessary to loosen the soil and remove weeds. In the fall, to make it easier for the plant to withstand frost, the soil near the trunk should be mulched. For this purpose, use fallen leaves, wood chips, peat or sawdust. The mulch layer should be at least 12 cm.

Linden propagation.

For propagation, seeds, young shoots, green cuttings, and layering are used. Decorative varieties propagated by grafting.

Propagation by seeds.

It will take up to 10 years to grow a tree from seeds. Depending on weather conditions, linden blossoms occur in June-July. Flowering lasts 2 weeks. Fragrant flowers dry and in their place fruits appear - small grains. Linden seeds are hidden in them. As a rule, one grain contains from 1 to 2 seeds.

Suitable for sowing are unripe seeds collected immediately after flowering, having a yellowish tint, and fully ripe ones. Brown. Experts advise sowing immature seeds; they germinate better and faster.

Seeds must undergo stratification for 5 months before planting. They should be placed in a container with damp sand and the soil should be moistened periodically.

After 5-6 months, the seeds are removed and sown on the prepared area. Only the strongest seeds will germinate. After this, the young animals can be planted on permanent place, care for it and cover it for the winter.

Reproduction by layering.

A quick way to get a new copy. Reproduction is carried out in early spring, before the buds swell. It is necessary to tilt the lower branch to the ground, pin it and sprinkle it with soil. Within 2 years, roots will appear on the cuttings, and young plant should be separated from the mother tree and transplanted to a prepared place.

Reproduction by young shoots.

Linden is also propagated by root layering. Near the mature trees there are a lot of young shoots. You just need to dig up a young plant and plant it on your site. Young trees should be replanted in the spring, preferably in damp and cool weather. If there is no forest plantation nearby, a young linden seedling can be purchased at specialized nurseries.

Propagation by green cuttings.

Cuttings of small-leaved linden root very poorly. Only 30% planting material may take root. Lignified cuttings are not suitable for propagation; you need to choose only green ones. In order for rooting to be successful, it is recommended to treat the cut of the cutting with a root formation stimulator. For rooting, use a mixture of peat with perlite or vermiculite.

Types and varieties.

A small-leaved tree with bare leaves, colored bluish below. There are tufts of red hairs in the corners. Erect inflorescences contain 5-11 flowers. The height of the tree varies from 30 to 120 meters. Grows in Western Siberia and Russia.

Grows in the Caucasus, Poland and Russia. A tree with large pubescent foliage, bluish below. It blooms very early, the inflorescences are drooping, the nuts-fruits have a hard shell with five pronounced ribs.

Due to the special structure of the leaves, it is also called felt. One side of the leaves is slightly pubescent, and the other is covered with a whitish coating, similar to felt fabric. The linden crown has a wide pyramidal shape, the tree grows up to 30 meters in height. Heart-shaped linden is common in the central regions of Russia.

A tall tree reaching 40 m in height. Decorative young shoots, painted purple-brown, form a round, spreading crown. Grows in the Caucasus and Asia.

Reaches a height of up to 20 m, tolerates harsh winters well, has decorative look. You can often see the multi-stemmed Manchurian linden tree. Grows in Primorye and Amur region.

The most common tree in Russia small-leaved linden, or heart-shaped. The trunk is slender, up to 30 m in height, with a spreading dense crown. The bark is dark, sometimes almost black; on young branches it is dark gray.

Leaves alternate on long cuttings, heart-shaped, with a pointed apex, smooth above, dark green, grayish green below, with tufts of brownish hairs at the corners of the veins, with paired pink stipules that fall in the spring.

Flowers are small, yellowish-white and creamy-yellow, collected in inflorescences of 5 - 15 pieces, with a light yellow or greenish-yellow bract of an oblong-lanceolate shape with a rounded apex, the bract hangs down from the middle of the base of the inflorescence, like a sail. The leaves appear in May, flowering begins from late June to July and usually lasts about two weeks. At this time, the surrounding air is filled with a subtle honey aroma.

Linden fruits They are round small single-seeded nuts with leathery pericarps.
Growing linden in deciduous and mixed forests, usually in the form of an admixture, in some places forms linden groves. In city parks, linden is considered one of the best ornamental trees.

Collection and drying

Linden blossom is harvested when most of the flowers have bloomed and the smaller ones are still in buds. The inflorescences are torn off by hand along with the bracts or small branches with abundant flowers are cut off with pruning shears. Then, in a shaded place, the flowers are picked and dried in a well-ventilated room at a temperature not exceeding 25...30°C. Drying in the sun is unacceptable, since under the influence of direct sunlight the flowers change color and the bracts turn red. Dried inflorescences consist of 5...15 light yellow or yellow flowers; open flowers should predominate, but buds and single immature fruits may occur. The bracts are light or yellow-green. The smell is aromatic, the taste is sweetish, slightly astringent. Lime blossom is packaged in boxes and jars with tightly sealed lids. Store in a dry place for up to 2 years.

Composition of linden

Linden blossom is a valuable medicinal raw material, which contains sugars, essential oils (0.05%), tannins, glycosides hesperidin and tiliacin, vitamin C, carotene, and saponins.

Application and beneficial properties of linden

Linden tea is one of the most common home remedies for colds: a tablespoon of linden flowers is brewed in a glass of boiling water, and the infusion is kept under a napkin for 20 minutes before drinking. The infusion should be golden in color, with a pleasant taste and aroma. To sweat well, you need to drink at least two glasses, and even better, add an equal amount of dried raspberries to the linden blossom, which also contains a strong diaphoretic substance - salicylic acid.
Linden infusions help treat sore throats and relieve headaches. Herbal healers give linden decoctions to children as an analgesic and sedative for mumps and measles, and to adults for nervous diseases and convulsions. It is recommended to drink the decoction hot (a tablespoon of flowers in a glass of water, boil for 10 minutes). For more effective action You can drink 2...3 glasses of hot broth before going to bed.
The inflorescences and stipules contain mucus. When brewed linden tea is infused and cooled, a gelatinous viscous mass is formed, which is used in the form of lotions to treat burns, ulcers, hemorrhoids, joint inflammation, gout and rheumatism. For the same purpose, young bark is used, the fibers of which are especially rich in mucus.
Decoctions of linden leaves are taken to remove sand during pain in the urethra. Compresses with decoction relieve headaches.
Coal obtained by burning wood, due to its adsorption properties, is taken orally for dysentery, bloating and diarrhea (in some areas, by distilling water vapor from wood infusion, a disinfectant liquid was obtained, which was sprayed into rooms where infectious patients lay).
Modern pharmacology suggests that linden inflorescences are due to a complex of biologically active substances. Herbal preparations in the form of infusions and decoctions of linden blossom, in addition to their diaphoretic effect, increase the secretion of gastric juice and facilitate the flow of bile into the duodenum. In addition, linden inflorescences have a beneficial effect on the central nervous system, so their infusions are recommended to be taken as a sedative for increased nervous excitability. Extract from inflorescences is used for mild digestive and metabolic disorders.
In pharmacies, linden blossom is sold in packs of 100 g and in the form of briquettes (a slice of briquette is brewed in a glass of boiling water, boiled for 10 minutes, filtered and drunk like tea);
Young leaves can be used for food and added to spring salads, increasing their vitamin content. During the war, linden leaves were added to soups and mashed potatoes; Having crushed the leaves into powder, mixed them with a small amount of flour and baked flat cakes from this mixture.
Fruit are the raw material for the production of fatty oil, characterized by a light yellow color and a faint linden-blossom odor. Linden oil is considered one of the best as a confectionery fat, and the cake left after pressing the oil is used as livestock feed.
In addition to small-leaved linden, large-leaved linden is widely cultivated in city gardens and parks.

Contraindications to the use of linden blossom and tea

Linden blossom decoctions should be drunk with short breaks and in reasonable quantities, otherwise vision may deteriorate greatly, quite unexpectedly and quite quickly. But this does not mean that you can go blind if you drink linden tea every day. We are talking about a very long-term use, without measure and without breaks, which, in addition to weakening vision, can provoke insomnia, irritability, increased blood pressure, and pain in the heart. Drink tea for a few days, one cup at a time, take a break for a week - and everything will be fine.

Linden - amazing beauty a tree that amazes with its healing properties and delights the sense of smell with a luxurious sweet aroma. It's impossible not to recognize her darlings yellow flowers, reminiscent of dragonfly wings. The tree has long been known for its valuable qualities, for which it has been respected and valued for centuries. A linden tree can live for a very long time if it is planted correctly, and for this you need to have an idea of ​​how the tree reproduces (by shoots, cuttings, layering) in autumn and spring. More on this later.

Linden: description, useful properties

Linden is a long-liver: in terms of its lifespan it can surpass most trees known to us. So, on average, a linden tree can live about 500 years. It begins to bloom quite late: only in the 20th year of its life (if it grew up in natural conditions). Under artificial conditions, linden produces its first flowers only at the age of 30.

Linden is known to everyone for its honey-bearing properties: from the nectar of one single tree you can get about 16 kg of high-quality, aromatic, surprisingly healthy honey per season.

Linden blossom is actively used in folk medicine: it is dried and stored for several years in small bags made of fabric or paper.

Linden flowers are used in folk medicine

Fragrant linden tea can become not only a pleasant-tasting drink, but also a valuable source of glucose, carotene and other substances beneficial to our body. Linden tea will help get rid of fever, eliminate inflammation in the body, and also have a pronounced diuretic, diaphoretic, and choleretic effect.

In addition to color, it is actively used in medicinal purposes also linden bark, which can heal open wounds, treat burns, eliminate dermatological problems, etc.

Attention! Drinking linden tea is contraindicated for people suffering from cardiovascular diseases, since linden has a pronounced ability to accelerate metabolic processes, which puts a high strain on the heart.

Most often, linden grows in groups, but in natural conditions, oppressed by stronger representatives of the flora, it can take on the appearance of a tall shrub. Linden is an unpretentious tree, so its species (and there are a huge number of them) are actively grown for decorative purposes: for landscaping parks, streets, alleys, etc. After all, nothing will decorate a linden tree better than an even row of slender linden trees with a neat crown, which will bloom magnificently and fill the entire area with a thick sweet aroma.

The main methods of linden propagation (shoots, cuttings, layering)

Linden propagation is carried out in several ways, but only the following can be highlighted:

• Overgrowth. During active growth trees can be used as material for planting young trees; small shoots appearing under the crown of the linden tree. Small shoots are excellent for transplanting, but several conditions must be met. Firstly, planting time is strictly spring; secondly, the weather is extremely wet and cool. As seedlings, it is better to choose two-year-old shoots with a fairly developed root system (such specimens usually grow at a distance of 2-3 m from the tree). So, the taproot must be cut on both sides of the shoot, after which you must carefully care for it throughout the summer: loosen the soil around it, water the young plant, apply fertilizer, and plant it in the main place in the fall.

Advice. As propagation material, it is better to use shoots only from self-rooted trees, since in this case there is a greater likelihood that the young tree will have everything external signs maternal.

• Layerings. Unusual way propagation of linden, which, however, is also used. The process is carried out as follows: a young tree is cut down, and then wait for sprouts to appear on the stump. One- or two-year-old shoots are bent to the ground and secured near it with wooden devices. Afterwards they are carefully sprinkled with earth. After a couple of years, roots will appear at the bend site. Then you should carefully separate the young plant from the mother plant with a sharp shovel and then replant it.

The easiest method of linden propagation is cuttings.

• Cuttings. One of the most simple ways linden propagation. Its cuttings take root well in new conditions and require minimal care. Cuttings and the soil for planting them must first be prepared. The first stage of preparation is carried out in the fall: the soil is carefully dug up, cleared of weeds, generously fertilized and, finally, leveled. For the winter, be sure to cover the area for planting young cuttings with plastic wrap. For propagation, exclusively freshly cut cuttings are used. Moreover, you should strictly adhere to the requirements for their proportions: the cutting should in no case be thin (its development will be too slow or will not happen at all), and it should not be too short (there should be at least 4 nodes on the cutting, the length is about 12 cm). The lower part of the cuttings is cleared of leaves, processed and planted in the ground to a depth of 1-1.5 cm.

That's all the subtleties you should know about the methods of linden propagation. Be sure to try each of them and compare the results. Good luck!

Caring for linden and features of its reproduction: video

1. Description
2. Types of lindens
3. Small-leaved
4. large-leaved
5. Ordinary
6. Manchurian
7. Caucasian
8. European
9. Silver
10. Reproduction and care
11. Wood

The genus of deciduous trees tilia, or linden, has about 45 species. Most of them grow in temperate and subtropical climate zones. The distribution area includes Europe, Southeast Asia, the Far East, and the North American continent. The linden family belongs to the relict family, which existed on the planet back in the pre-glacial period.

Description

Depending on soil fertility and lighting, both large tree forms of linden plantations and small shrubby ones can be found. IN natural environment linden adapts to almost any living conditions, but prefers well-moistened nutrient soils. These species are characterized by frost resistance, the ability to tolerate wind and drought.

A characteristic feature of linden trees is their low susceptibility to diseases and insect pests .

Many species are long-lived, the age of the trees is 300–400 years, and more ancient specimens are registered - 1000 years old. The trunks of large species can reach a length of over 30 m, trees begin to branch at a height of 1.5–2 m from the ground, and usually become mature by the age of 30. The bark of young plantations is brown or olive in color and smooth. In mature trees it is dark, thick, and dotted with deep cracks. The crown is oval, ovoid, very dense. Root system powerful and developed, penetrates deep into the soil.

Linden leaves are heart-shaped, wide and rounded at the base and pointed towards the ends, matte or dark green. These plants are excellent honey plants. In early June, fluffy yellowish flowers bloom on them, collected in inflorescences and secreting nectar. In autumn, linden fruits - small nuts with seeds - form in their place. The flowering period lasts about 2–3 weeks. At this time, the tree emits a specific pleasant aroma that attracts bees. Linden honey is considered by many to be the healthiest and most delicious. In addition, linden is a famous medicinal plant, since its flowers and buds have a pronounced anti-inflammatory and diaphoretic effect. This plant material is included in preparations for the treatment of respiratory diseases and acute respiratory viral infections.

Types of lindens

Linden trees can grow singly, but most plantings occur in forest areas. The “favorite” neighbors of these trees are ash, oak, pine, maple, and spruce. In addition to mixed forests, lindens form large-scale pure stands.

In the wild and in cultivated conditions, both pure and hybrid varieties of the tree are found.

Small-leaved

Other name - heart-shaped linden, thanks to the shape of the leaves. This species tolerates unfavorable natural conditions, including strong winds, drought and frost. The lifespan of a tree can reach 400 years or more. As it grows, its trunks stretch to a height of 25–30 m, the branches form a spreading crown, similar to a tent: the upper shoots are directed upward, the middle ones are almost horizontal, and the lower ones look down. The leaves have relatively small size- about 3–4 cm, heart-shaped and pointed at the tip. Their upper part is glossy and dark, the back is lighter and a little rough to the touch. In June, small-leaved linden is covered with fluffy panicles of inflorescences of 6–8 flowers; in August, small nuts with seeds inside ripen in their place.

This type of linden is distributed throughout Europe, including its Russian part, in the Caucasus, and Western Siberia.

large-leaved

This species is similar in appearance to small-leaved, but tolerates severe frosts less well, therefore it grows mainly in southern regions Europe and the Caucasus. Many large-leaved lindens are real giants and long-lived: they can grow up to 500 years of age. In cross-section, their trunks reach 80–100 cm, and rise up to 40 m in height. The leaves, in accordance with the name of the tree, are large in size - up to 14 cm, the edges have small denticles, and are slightly pubescent on the back side. The crown has an almost pyramidal shape. The inflorescences of this linden are much smaller than those of the small-leaved linden: 2–4 flowers. The flowering period lasts 2 weeks from mid-June.

The large-leaved species prefers fertile soil, but the trees themselves improve its composition: the foliage that falls in autumn quickly rots, forming humus. This linden tree is often planted in gardens and parks, as it has high decorative qualities, forms dense shade, and purifies the air.

Ordinary

This is a hybrid species formed in the natural environment through cross-pollination of large-leaved and small-leaved plants. In terms of properties, trunk height, crown shape, it resembles its relatives; it begins to bloom several weeks earlier - at the end of May or in the first days of June. The inflorescences are like those of the small-leaved variety, the leaves are dark green, smooth, and when flowering they become covered with sweet juice, attracting bees. The common linden is a good honey plant. In addition, it is excellent for landscaping in urban environments: it can withstand polluted air, dust, wind, frost, lack of sunlight, and is not sensitive to drought.

Manchurian

In Russia it is found in forests Far East, but, being planted in European regions, it takes root well in them. Loves moist soils, is frost-resistant, tolerates shaded areas well. The trunks of the Manchurian linden often branch and are relatively low - the maximum height is about 20 m, the crown is spreading and dense. The leaves of this species are very large - 25–30 cm, pubescent, the inflorescences are also powerful, consisting of 10–12 flowers.

Caucasian

This species prefers a warm, humid climate and fertile soils, grows in the forests of the Caucasus and Crimea, and is also found in Asia Minor. The Caucasian linden lives up to 400 years, its trunks reach more than 1.5 m in diameter, and the trees reach a height of 35–40 m. Young shoots have a reddish tint, darkening with age. The leaves are large - up to 15 cm, bright green, slightly pubescent, with a lighter shade on the underside. The tree blooms at the end of June or beginning of July, the inflorescences are large and fluffy, drooping down. The fruit is a nut about 1 cm in size with a seed inside.

European

The main habitat is mixed and deciduous forests of Western Europe. These trees live for 100–150 years, look powerful: they reach 1.5–2 m in diameter and 40 m in height. The foliage is bright green, heart-shaped, its back part is rough. The crown is wide and dense, the tree bark is dark gray in color, and in adult and old specimens it is covered with deep cracks.

Silver

This linden has pronounced differences from other species. The color of its foliage is dark green, the back side is grayish-silver, covered with thick fluff. Thanks to this, the tree has a second name - felt. The leaves themselves are medium in size - about 7–8 cm; at the height of summer, their edges curl slightly inward, which is why the crown has a beautiful variegated silver-green hue. In autumn, the foliage does not turn yellow, but withers, remaining on the branches for a long time. The flowers are very small, yellowish.

Young shoots of felt linden are also pubescent and become smooth over time. The bark of the trees is gray, and as the trunks mature, it darkens and becomes rougher.

The species is distributed in the Balkans, Western Europe, Crimea, and the Caucasus.

Reproduction and care

Planting linden trees is a great way to create a beautiful landscape, suitable for home areas, squares and parks. These trees improve the microclimate and fill the air in summer pleasant aroma flowers, and when planted outside the city, they allow you to collect and use useful color.

It is possible to propagate trees by seeds, but it is very labor-intensive and time-consuming. Not all of them retain germination, and given the long dormant period, it can take more than one year for germination to occur. It is much more rational to use layering or root shoots of linden as planting material. To root the layering, the lower lateral shoots are tilted to the soil and secured by lightly sprinkling it. You will have to wait 1-2 years for the roots, then the branches just need to be freed from the soil and separated from the tree. They do this at the end of March.

New shoots shoot up from the linden roots quite often; you just have to carefully disconnect them from the mother plant. You can also purchase ready-made seedlings.

For planting, a mixture of turf soil, humus and sand is preferable. The holes are dug in proportion to the size of the roots of the seedlings, so that their upper part is flush with the surface. Drainage made of broken bricks or small stones is laid at the bottom. The distance between the holes when planting several trees is at least 3 m.

Young linden trees require careful care. In the first 2–3 years, weekly watering is required, fertilizing at least once a month with nitrogenous fertilizers. For the winter, it is important to insulate the seedlings with mulch made from sawdust or pine needles. Mature trees do not need to be watered, but need to be fertilized 1-2 times a season.

They begin to trim branches to form a crown no earlier than the third year of life.

Wood

The massif is represented by uniform sapwood of pale yellow or pinkish color. The texture is weakly expressed, the natural pattern is a bit reminiscent of birch. The surface gloss is soft, slightly matte.

The quality characteristics of linden wood are somewhat lower than those of pine or oak. The overall drying coefficient is 0.58. During the pre-drying process, the wood almost does not warp or crack due to its uniform saturation with moisture. The density of dry lumber is about 450 kg/m³. The strength and resistance to mechanical loads of linden is low, similar to aspen wood. It is prone to swelling, does not hold nails and staples well, and is susceptible to rot and fungus.

The advantages of linden are its plasticity and ease of processing: the material bends, cuts, saws perfectly, is impregnated with dyes and stains, glued and polished.

Linden has long been used to build barns, made beehives, chests, chests, barrels for pickling cabbage, vats for winemaking, and produced kitchen utensils: scoops, ladles, spoons, pots. Bast was especially valued: bast shoes were woven from young bast and matting was knitted.

Today, linden is used in furniture and turning production; toys, pencils, and blanks for decoration are made from it. Saunas and bathhouses are lined with linden lining, and shelves are made from boards. Due to its low thermal conductivity, this wood reduces the likelihood of burns when touched in a hot room.