Digging deeperPlant Library

Other Names:  Littleleaf Linden, Lime, Smallleaf Lime

Description:

This natural semi-dwarf variety features a rounded pyramidal habit, and fragrant pale yellow flowers in early summer when few trees bloom; very tidy and low maintenance, adaptable, makes a perfect screen or landscape accent

Ornamental Features

Summer Sprite Linden features showy clusters of fragrant buttery yellow flowers with tan bracts hanging below the branches in early summer. It has dark green deciduous foliage. The heart-shaped leaves turn an outstanding gold in the fall.

Landscape Attributes

Summer Sprite Linden is a dense deciduous tree with a strong central leader and a distinctive and refined pyramidal form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance tree, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It is a good choice for attracting bees to your yard. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Summer Sprite Linden is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Shade

Planting & Growing

Summer Sprite Linden will grow to be about 15 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 10 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 2 feet from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 70 years or more.

This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.