American Basswood
Tilia americana
Last reviewed: June 2026
American Basswood (Tilia americana) is a deciduous native tree found across eastern North America that blooms in June and July with fragrant yellow flowers that attract bees and beetles.
American Basswood (Tilia americana) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag American Basswood as toxic to livestock.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
600"–1200" H × 300"–600" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 33 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
American basswood is a large, stately native tree with heart-shaped leaves and fragrant yellow flowers in summer. This long-lived shade tree develops a broad, rounded crown and provides excellent cooling for homes and landscapes.
Growing American Basswood
Grow American Basswood in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 600 to 1200 inches tall and spread 300 to 600 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
American Basswood is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, street edge, mid zone.
- Large mature size requires adequate space
- May drop sticky honeydew from aphids occasionally
Wildlife value
Host plant for luna moth.
The fragrant summer flowers are exceptional for bees and produce high-quality honey, making this tree valuable for pollinators. Seeds provide food for birds and small mammals, while the dense canopy offers nesting sites.
Common questions
- When does American Basswood bloom?
- American Basswood produces fragrant, yellowish flowers during June and July.
- What pollinators visit American Basswood?
- American Basswood flowers attract bees and beetles, making it valuable for supporting native pollinator populations.
- Where is American Basswood native?
- American Basswood is native to much of eastern North America, from Maine south to Florida and west to the Great Plains states including North Dakota, Kansas, and eastern Texas.
- What growing conditions does American Basswood prefer?
- American Basswood tolerates a wide range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade and adapts to various moisture levels, though it performs best in moist, well-drained soils.
- Is American Basswood toxic to dogs?
- American Basswood is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is American Basswood toxic to cats?
- American Basswood is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is American Basswood toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag American Basswood as toxic to livestock.
- Is American Basswood HOA-friendly?
- American Basswood is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow American Basswood? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz