Linden (plant)

Linden (plant), also basswood, common name for a medium-size family (see Mallow) of mostly woody flowering plants, and for its representative genus. The family contains about 48 genera and 725 species of dicot trees and shrubs, which occur mainly in tropical regions (see Dicots). It is important for its ornamental and timber trees and as the source of jute.

The family characteristically has alternate, simple, asymmetrical leaves. The bark is thick and fibrous. The flowers are born in complex clusters and are small, greenish, and usually scented. They commonly have five sepals (outer floral whorls), five petals (inner floral whorls), and many stamens (male floral parts) in groups of five or ten. The ovary (female floral part) is superior (borne free from other floral parts) and matures into various kinds of several-seeded fruits.

The linden genus consists of about 45 species widely distributed in north temperate areas, including valuable ornamental trees, and timber trees that in forestry are generally called basswoods. The American basswood, which grows to a height of 30 m (100 ft), yields soft, straight-grained wood used in interiors and cabinetry and as paper pulp. Fiber from its inner bark is used to make fishnets, mats, cords, and shoes. White basswood has similar characteristics, and honey from basswood flowers is particularly flavorful. European lindens, or lime trees, are widely planted as ornamentals and have been introduced into North America. Jute, used to make cordage, burlap, and sacks, is derived from the inner bark of white jute.

Scientific classification: Linden is the common name for the family Tiliaceae. The linden genus is Tilia. The American basswood is classified as Tilia americana, and white basswood as Tilia heterophylla.