Common Name	Small Leaved Lime, Littleleaf linden
Family	Tiliaceae
USDA hardiness	3-7
Known Hazards	If the flowers used for making tea are too old, they may produce symptoms of narcotic intoxication.
Habitats	Woods on most fertile soils, especially limestone, it is commonly found on wooded limestone cliffs.
Range	Europe, including Britain, from Norway south and east to Spain, Siberia, Crimea and Caucasus.
Edibility Rating	(5 of 5)
Other Uses	(3 of 5)
Weed Potential	No
Medicinal Rating	(3 of 5)
Care (info)

🌳 How to Grow, Propagate, and Harvest Small-Leaved Lime ‘Greenspire’ (Tilia cordata ‘Greenspire’)

The Small-leaved Lime ‘Greenspire’ (Tilia cordata ‘Greenspire’) is a majestic deciduous tree known for its symmetrical form, glossy green leaves, and fragrant summer blossoms. Highly valued for both urban landscaping and pollinator-friendly gardens, this tree combines elegance with resilience.

Whether you’re planting it for shade, aesthetic appeal, or for its aromatic flowers, learning how to grow, propagate, and harvest this lime tree variety properly ensures decades of beauty and ecological benefits.

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🌱 Understanding Tilia cordata ‘Greenspire’

The Greenspire cultivar of Tilia cordata (commonly known as the Small-leaved Lime or Littleleaf Linden) was developed for its upright pyramidal shape and strong central leader, making it ideal for streetscapes, parks, and large gardens.

Key Characteristics

• Scientific name: Tilia cordata ‘Greenspire’
• Common name: Small-leaved Lime ‘Greenspire’ or Littleleaf Linden
• Height: 40–60 feet (12–18 meters)
• Spread: 25–35 feet (7–10 meters)
• Growth rate: Moderate to fast
• Foliage: Heart-shaped, glossy green leaves that turn golden yellow in autumn
• Flowers: Pale yellow, highly fragrant, nectar-rich clusters in early to mid-summer
• Hardiness zones: USDA 3–7

This tree thrives in temperate climates and adapts well to urban conditions, tolerating pollution, wind, and compacted soils better than most broadleaf trees.

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🌿 How to Grow Small-leaved Lime ‘Greenspire’

1. Choosing the Right Location

Select a sunny or lightly shaded spot with well-drained, fertile soil. While the Greenspire Linden tolerates clay and alkaline soils, it performs best in loamy, slightly acidic conditions.
Avoid waterlogged areas—consistent moisture is good, but soggy soil can harm roots.

2. Planting Time

The best time to plant Tilia cordata ‘Greenspire’ is in early spring or fall, when soil temperatures are moderate and rainfall supports establishment.

3. Planting Steps

1. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and slightly shallower than its height.
2. Loosen the roots gently before placing the tree.
3. Backfill with native soil mixed with compost or organic matter.
4. Water deeply, ensuring soil settles around roots.
5. Mulch around the base with 2–3 inches of organic mulch, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.

4. Watering and Feeding

During the first 2–3 years, water regularly to encourage deep root growth. Mature trees need minimal supplemental watering except in droughts.
Fertilize annually in spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer to maintain strong growth and vibrant foliage.

5. Pruning

Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any crossing or diseased branches and maintain a strong central leader.
The Greenspire cultivar naturally develops a symmetrical crown, so only minimal shaping is needed.

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🌸 Propagation of Tilia cordata ‘Greenspire’

While propagation by seed is possible, it’s slow and variable. For consistent results, vegetative propagation is recommended.

1. Softwood Cuttings

• Take 4–6 inch cuttings in early summer from healthy shoots.
• Remove lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
• Insert cuttings into a mix of sand and peat or perlite.
• Keep under high humidity (a misting dome helps) until roots develop.

2. Grafting

Nurseries often graft Greenspire scions onto rootstocks of Tilia cordata to preserve the cultivar’s traits. This method ensures strong root systems and identical form.

3. Air Layering (Optional)

Air layering in spring or early summer can also produce rooted clones. Select a semi-mature branch, girdle it, apply rooting hormone, and wrap it with moist sphagnum moss until roots appear.

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🌼 Varieties and Related Cultivars

The Greenspire cultivar is part of a family of beautiful linden trees. Here are a few close relatives worth considering:

Variety	Description	Key Feature
Tilia cordata ‘Winter Orange’	Vigorous with orange-red twigs	Winter color interest
Tilia cordata ‘Rancho’	Compact and upright	Ideal for smaller spaces
Tilia × euchlora (‘Crimean Linden’)	Hybrid of T. cordata and T. dasystyla	Glossy foliage and pest resistance
Tilia tomentosa ‘Sterling Silver’	Silver undersides of leaves	Shimmering appearance in wind

Each variety offers unique landscape qualities, but Greenspire remains the most popular for its uniform growth and adaptability.

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🍯 Harvesting and Uses

1. Harvesting Flowers

The fragrant yellow flowers bloom from June to July. Harvest when freshly opened on a dry morning for best aroma and potency.
They can be:

• Air-dried in a shaded, well-ventilated place for herbal use.
• Used to make soothing linden tea, known for its mild sedative and anti-inflammatory properties.

2. Leaves and Wood

Young leaves are edible and sometimes used in salads.
The soft, fine-grained wood is prized by carvers and used in furniture making.

3. Wildlife Benefits

The Small-leaved Lime is a pollinator magnet—its nectar attracts bees, butterflies, and hoverflies, supporting biodiversity in any garden.

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🌳 Common Problems and Care Tips

Although Tilia cordata ‘Greenspire’ is hardy, it’s wise to watch for:

• Aphids: These can cause sticky honeydew residue on leaves. Use horticultural soap or encourage natural predators like ladybugs.
• Leaf spot or mildew: Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
• Root stress: Ensure deep watering during hot summers.

With proper care, your Greenspire Linden will live for decades—some specimens in Europe are over 400 years old!

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🌼 In Summary

Aspect	Recommendation
Sunlight	Full sun to partial shade
Soil	Fertile, moist, well-drained
Water	Regular until established
Fertilizer	Balanced feed in spring
Propagation	Cuttings or grafting
Harvest Time	Early to mid-summer
Maintenance	Light pruning and mulching

The Small-leaved Lime ‘Greenspire’ is more than a landscape tree—it’s a living investment in beauty, shade, and ecology. With proper planting, propagation, and harvesting, you can enjoy its charm for generations.

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🌿 Final Thought

Planting a Tilia cordata ‘Greenspire’ means embracing a piece of European heritage and nature’s artistry. From the rustling leaves in summer breezes to the golden glow of fall foliage, this tree stands as a timeless symbol of endurance and harmony.

More info: https://pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?latinname=Tilia+cordata