Practical and useful info about linden: a medicinal cultivated plant

Linden trees are popular ornamental trees in Europe. Their flowering tops are harvested in season and dried in the open air, then consumed as a tea, a popular infusion in France. Here is some information about this plant.

The small medieval town of Buis-les-Baronnies, in Drôme, is the capital of the linden tree. The provencal producers sell their harvest at a fair that is held every July. Linden trees are honey trees that grow from clusters of pale green bracts and fragrant yellow flowers. Hives arranged around flowering linden trees produce much appreciated honey.

The small-leaved linden tree (Tilia cordata ) is one of the main cultivated species; not to be confused with the key lime tree (Citrus aurantiifolia ). It can exude sticky honeydew during the summer. It is thus to be avoided over benches or in parking areas.

Varieties:

• Small-leaved linden trees, also called small-leaved lime, little leaf linden or small-leaved linden (T. cordata), is a tree with dark green deciduous leaves, bright and heart-shaped, measuring 10 to 25 metres (33-80 feet).
• "Greenspire" is a smaller variety, of conical shape; there is also basswood or glabrous linden (T. americana).
• Among the other species used in herbal medicine, there is also the common lime or common linden (T. ×europaea) and the larged-leaved linden (T. platyphyllos), both larger (up to 30 metres, or 100 feet).

Location: Limes prefer a neutral soil rather than limestone, and an open and sunny location.

Multiplication: The easiest way is to cut the suckers in the winter and put them in pots separately. Fresh mature seeds need to be laminated for three to five months before the seeding in spring.

Maintenance: The common lime tends to develop suckers, which spoil its general appearance. Remember to remove them during the tree's rest period.

Pests and diseases: The linden trees are susceptible to scale insects on branches, aphids and gall on the leaves. They are also sensitive to honey fungus. Make sure that growing conditions are good.

Harvesting and conservation: Pick the clusters of flowers when opened. Do not wait until the petals fall to harvest because the fruits that grow are narcotic. Spread the bunches of flowers and let them dry thoroughly in the open air before storing.

• The flowers are used (with bracts), often prepared in teas to help with sleep, especially among children.
• The plant has sedative and calming effect on the nerves and muscles, and can help calm nervousness, tension and anxiety.
• Linden flowers are prescribed for certain circulatory disorders: they relax the walls of blood vessels and reduce blood pressure.
• They may also be prescribed to treat arteriosclerosis. They are effective against feverish conditions such as colds, flu or other respiratory disorders.
• Linden flowers are not recommended for pregnant or nursing women.