Linden |
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| Common Name | Linden |
| Scientific Name | Tilia europaea and other species |
| Linden, also called Lime, European Linden, European Lime Tree, Basswood, and Winged Flowers, is one of the best known and -loved herbs for tea. It is found wild in forests and on mountain slopes in Europe. Now cultivated in North America as well as Europe, it is popularly used for lining streets and driveways because of its uniformity. The tea is considered useful in treating colds, influenza, and sore throats. It is also used to relieve mild bladder and kidney problems. Linden tea is said to be good for the skin, helping to keep freckles and wrinkles from appearing. It is also supposed to stimulate hair growth, calm the nerves, and promote sleep. | |
| Plant | Perennial. This deciduous tree's branches, which spread out at the bottom, bear bright green, 4- to 7-inch, heart-shaped leaves that are coarsely double-toothed. An abundance of small, fragrant, white-to-yellow flowers appears in June and July, attracting bees who make a fine honey from the blossoms. The pea-sized seeds that come after the flowers are often called "monkey nuts." |
| Height | 50 to 100 feet. |
| Soil | Rich, well-drained, moist. |
| Exposure | Full sun. |
| Propagation | By seeds sown during the third lunar phase. They require 2 years to germinate. Also by layering or cuttings, either of which is much quicker. |
| Care | Be sure to space trees with consideration for their final size. These trees are easy to grow and are among the few that tolerate the smoke and fumes of the city. However, young trees do need staking and shaping, and if you have transplanted one, be sure to keep it well watered until it is established. Older trees need only corrective pruning. |
| Part used for Tea | Flowers, which should be gathered when they smell strongly of honey. Once the scent fades, they are too old to use. |
| Taste | Similar to chamomile, with a sweet, warm, apple like taste. Highly aromatic. |
| How to Brew | BY INFUSION: Steep 2 teaspoons of fresh flowers in 1 cup of boiling water for up to 10 minutes. Or use 1 teaspoon of dried flowers. |
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