Tilia tomentosa - Silver Lime

Tilia tomentosa is native to South-eastern Europe and South-western Asia. The Dutch clonal selection Tilia tomentosa ‘Brabant’ was introduced into the UK in the early 1970s and this is the variety that we hold here on the nursery.

Tilia tomentosa is known for its striking silver underside of its foliage. During the summer months the tree looks it’s most attractive, as a summer breeze catches the leaves, making them flutter showing off their contrasting leaf. This pretty dance of the silvery leaf is accompanied by the fragrant sweet-smelling pendulous flowers that appear during July.

Other than its brilliantly attractive foliage, Tilia tomentosa is also a popular choice for certain urban settings as it is very tolerant of urban pollution, soil compaction, heat, and drought. It also has a relatively upright form, which lends itself to being planted as a street tree.

FACT: The flowers from the Tilia can be used to make a tea, this tea has been used in folk medicine across cultures to relieve high blood pressure, calm anxiety and soothe digestion.