- Description
- Types of lindens
- Small-leaved
- large-leaved
- Ordinary
- Manchurian
- Caucasian
- European
- Silver
- Reproduction and care
- Wood
Deciduous genus tilia trees, or linden, has about 45 species. Most of them grow in temperate and subtropical climate zones. Distribution area includes Europe, Southeast Asia, Far East, North American continent. The linden family belongs to the relict family, which existed on the planet back in the pre-glacial period.
Description
Depending on soil fertility and lighting, both large tree forms of linden plantations and small shrubby ones can be found. IN natural environment linden adapts to almost any living conditions, but prefers well-moistened nutrient soils. These species are characterized by frost resistance, the ability to tolerate wind and drought.
A characteristic feature of linden trees is their low susceptibility to diseases and insect pests .
Many species are long-lived, the age of trees is 300–400 years, and more ancient specimens are registered - 1000 years old. Trunks large species can reach a length of over 30 m, trees begin to branch at a height of 1.5–2 m from the ground, and usually become mature by the age of 30. The bark of young plantations is brown or olive color, smooth. In mature trees it is dark, thick, and dotted with deep cracks. The crown is oval, ovoid, very dense. Root system powerful and developed, penetrates deep into the soil.
Linden leaves are heart-shaped, wide and rounded at the base and pointed towards the ends, matte or dark green. These plants are excellent honey plants. In early June, fluffy yellowish flowers bloom on them, collected in inflorescences and secreting nectar. In autumn, linden fruits - small nuts with seeds - form in their place. The flowering period lasts about 2–3 weeks. At this time, the tree emits a specific pleasant aroma that attracts bees. Linden honey is considered by many to be the healthiest and most delicious. In addition, linden is a famous medicinal plant, since its flowers and buds have a pronounced anti-inflammatory and diaphoretic effect. This plant material is included in preparations for the treatment of diseases. respiratory tract and ARVI.
Types of lindens
Linden trees can grow singly, but most plantings occur in forest areas. The “favorite” neighbors of these trees are ash, oak, pine, maple, and spruce. In addition to mixed forests, lindens form large-scale pure stands.
In the wild and in cultivated conditions, both pure and hybrid varieties of the tree are found.
Small-leaved
Another name is heart-shaped linden, due to the shape of the leaves. This species tolerates unfavorable conditions well natural conditions, including strong winds, drought and frost. The lifespan of a tree can reach 400 years or more. As it grows, its trunks stretch to a height of 25–30 m, the branches form a spreading crown, similar to a tent: the upper shoots are directed upward, the middle ones are almost horizontal, and the lower ones look down. The leaves have relatively small size- about 3–4 cm, heart-shaped and pointed at the tip. Upper part they are glossy and dark, the back is lighter, a little rough to the touch. In June, small-leaved linden is covered with fluffy panicles of inflorescences of 6–8 flowers; in August, small nuts with seeds inside ripen in their place.
This type of linden is distributed throughout Europe, including its Russian part, in the Caucasus, and Western Siberia.
large-leaved
This species is similar in appearance to the small-leaved one, but tolerates it less well. severe frosts, therefore it grows mainly in southern regions Europe and the Caucasus. Many large-leaved lindens are real giants and long-lived: they can grow up to 500 years of age. In cross-section, their trunks reach 80–100 cm, and rise up to 40 m in height. The leaves, in accordance with the name of the tree, are large in size - up to 14 cm, the edges have small denticles, and are slightly pubescent on the back side. The crown has almost pyramidal shape. The inflorescences of this linden are much smaller than those of the small-leaved linden: 2–4 flowers. The flowering period lasts 2 weeks from mid-June.
Prefers large-leaved species fertile soil, but the trees themselves improve its composition: the foliage that falls in autumn quickly rots, forming humus. This linden is often planted in gardens and parks, as it has high decorative qualities, forms a thick shadow, purifies the air.
Ordinary
This hybrid species, formed in the natural environment through cross-pollination of large-leaved and small-leaved plants. In terms of properties, trunk height, crown shape, it resembles its relatives; it begins to bloom several weeks earlier - at the end of May or in the first days of June. The inflorescences are like those of the small-leaved variety, the leaves are dark green, smooth, and when flowering they become covered with sweet juice, attracting bees. The common linden is a good honey plant. In addition, it is excellent for landscaping in urban environments: it can withstand polluted air, dust, wind, frost, lack of sunlight, not sensitive to drought.
Manchurian
In Russia it is found in the forests of the Far East, but, being planted in European regions, it takes root well in them. Loves moist soils, is frost-resistant, tolerates shaded areas well. Trunks Manchurian linden often branched and relatively low - maximum height is about 20 m, the crown is spreading and dense. The leaves of this species are very large - 25–30 cm, pubescent, the inflorescences are also powerful, consisting of 10–12 flowers.
Caucasian
This species prefers a warm, humid climate and fertile soils, grows in the forests of the Caucasus and Crimea, and is also found in Asia Minor. The Caucasian linden lives up to 400 years, its trunks reach more than 1.5 m in diameter, and the trees reach a height of 35–40 m. Young shoots have a reddish tint, darkening with age. The leaves are large - up to 15 cm, bright green, slightly pubescent, with more light shade. The tree blooms at the end of June or beginning of July, the inflorescences are large and fluffy, drooping down. The fruit is a nut about 1 cm in size with a seed inside.
European
The main habitat is mixed and deciduous forests of Western Europe. These trees live for 100–150 years, look powerful: they reach 1.5–2 m in diameter and 40 m in height. The foliage is bright green, heart-shaped, its back part is rough. The crown is wide and dense, the tree bark is dark gray in color, and in adult and old specimens it is covered with deep cracks.
Silver
This linden has pronounced differences from other species. The color of its foliage is dark green, the back side is grayish-silver, covered with thick fluff. Thanks to this, the tree has a second name - felt. The leaves themselves are medium in size - about 7–8 cm; at the height of summer, their edges turn slightly inward, which is why the crown has a beautiful variegated silver-green hue. In autumn, the foliage does not turn yellow, but withers, remaining on the branches for a long time. The flowers are very small, yellowish.
Young shoots of felt linden are also pubescent and become smooth over time. The bark of the trees is gray, and as the trunks mature, it darkens and becomes rougher.
The species is distributed in the Balkans, Western Europe, Crimea, and the Caucasus.
Reproduction and care
Planting linden trees - great way create a beautiful landscape that is appropriate in local areas, squares and parks. These trees improve the microclimate, fill the air with a pleasant aroma of flowers in summer, and when planted outside the city, they allow you to collect and use useful flowers.
It is possible to propagate trees by seeds, but it is very labor-intensive and time-consuming. Not all of them retain germination, but, given long period You can wait more than one year for dormancy and germination. It is much more rational to use it as planting material layering or basal shoots of linden. To root the layering, the lower lateral shoots are tilted to the soil and secured by lightly sprinkling it. You will have to wait 1-2 years for the roots, then the branches just need to be freed from the soil and separated from the tree. They do this at the end of March.
New shoots shoot up from the linden roots quite often; you just have to carefully disconnect them from the mother plant. You can also purchase ready-made seedlings.
For planting, a mixture of turf soil, humus and sand is preferable. The holes are dug in proportion to the size of the roots of the seedlings, so that their upper part is flush with the surface. Drainage made of broken bricks or small stones is laid at the bottom. The distance between the holes when planting several trees is at least 3 m.
Young linden trees require careful care. In the first 2–3 years, weekly watering is required, fertilizing at least once a month with nitrogenous fertilizers. For the winter, it is important to insulate the seedlings with mulch made from sawdust or pine needles. Mature trees do not need to be watered, but need to be fertilized 1-2 times a season.
They begin to trim branches to form a crown no earlier than the third year of life.
Wood
The massif is represented by uniform sapwood of pale yellow or pinkish color. The texture is weakly expressed, the natural pattern is a bit reminiscent of birch. The surface gloss is soft, slightly matte.
The quality characteristics of linden wood are somewhat lower than those of pine or oak. The overall drying coefficient is 0.58. During the pre-drying process, the wood almost does not warp or crack due to its uniform saturation with moisture. The density of dry lumber is about 450 kg/m³. The strength and resistance to mechanical loads of linden is low, similar to aspen wood. It is prone to swelling, does not hold nails and staples well, and is susceptible to rot and fungus.
The advantages of linden are its plasticity and ease of processing: the material bends, cuts, saws perfectly, is impregnated with dyes and stains, glued and polished.
Linden has long been used to build barns, made beehives, chests, chests, barrels for pickling cabbage, vats for winemaking, and produced kitchen utensils: scoops, ladles, spoons, pots. Bast was especially valued: bast shoes were woven from young bast and matting was knitted.
Today, linden is used in furniture and turning production; toys, pencils, and blanks for decoration are made from it. Saunas and bathhouses are lined with linden lining, and shelves are made from boards. Due to its low thermal conductivity, this wood reduces the likelihood of burns when touched in a hot room.
Linden is a tree of health and happiness, known to everyone for its healing properties. This is a large deciduous tree, the height of which can reach 30 meters. The ancient Slavs considered it sacred; linden was a source of energy for them: strong and soft.
Linden is a tree that can take away negativity, relieve depression and depression, fill it with vitality, give a feeling of peace, tranquility and inner warmth.
Tree of eras: linden
Having a spherical wide crown and a straight trunk, the size of which is about 5 meters in diameter, linden is a long-lived tree, capable of growing in one place for about 600 years. Inhabited on the planet since ancient times, the linden tree has survived such climatic extremes as the Ice Age and global warming, witnessed significant historical events. Romantic dates between young people of more than one generation took place under its canopy; In Paris, 200 years ago, more than one thousand of these young trees were planted in honor of the victory of the Great French Revolution, since which the linden tree has become a symbol of happiness and freedom.
Linden is a beautiful tree that reaches its full development at 20-40 years of age. Thanks to its powerful root system, which penetrates deep into the ground, it is not afraid of even the gusty winds. Unpretentious to soils, it easily tolerates drought, but is intolerant of the presence groundwater. It will make you happy in sunny places active growth and a lush crown, although it is calm about the shade. True, in places of shortage sun rays linden is short-growing and looks more like a fluffy bush.
Linden tree: description
Among the abundance of trees growing around, I want to correctly determine which one is linden. By what signs can she be distinguished among all the green brethren; what does linden look like? The tree is characterized by gray fissured bark, can be single-trunked or multi-trunked, and always grows straight. Young shoots are characterized by a light brown color and pubescence, adult branches are bare and dark. The buds (initially pubescent, later glabrous) are oval in shape; their size is 45 mm. The leaf of the linden tree is densely pubescent with bristle-like hairs, dark green at the top, with reverse side light. The shape is heart-shaped, with jagged edges, pointed towards the apex. Young leaves grow in pairs with stipules, which fall off over time.
Umbrella inflorescences, abundantly covering the tree during the flowering period, are formed from 3-5 fragrant flowers: yellowish, somewhat pubescent, having a regular shape. During the linden flowering period, which occurs in June and lasts about 2 weeks, the air is filled with pleasant strong aroma. The linden (tree) fades faster than expected if the weather outside is very hot and dry. The fruits of the tree (elongated and round) are small nuts with a dense shell, which contain a seed inside. Linden fruiting occurs in August-September.
Linden looks harmonious in hedges, green tunnels, alleys; The tree is also attractive in single plantings. It easily tolerates a shaping haircut, does not get sick and is not capricious after it, for which it is especially appreciated by gardeners. There are about 30 varieties in the linden family, differing in crown shapes (pyramidal, oval, round).
The most common types of linden
Manchurian linden tree. It is characterized by decorativeness, 20-meter height and often multi-stemmed. The tree is frost-resistant. Most common in Primorye and Amur region.
Caucasian linden. Characteristics of the tree: rounded spreading crown, enormous height (up to 40 meters), very decorative young shoots of purple-brown color. It became widespread in the Caucasus and the northeastern part of Asia.
Silver. Its second name, which is more commonly used, is felt linden. The height of the tree is 30 meters. The crown is broadly pyramidal. The name is associated with the special structure of the leaves, which are slightly pubescent on one side and have a felt-like whitish coating on the other. Most common in the central regions of Russia.
Linden propagation: methods
Propagation of linden, for which the ideal soil composition is 1 part turf soil and 2 parts humus and sand, can be done by seeds, seedlings, stem layering and shoots.
Linden propagates by stem layering in the following way: the lower branches of the tree need to be bent to the ground, lowered into pre-dug shallow trenches and buried. In a year or two the branches will take root, after which they can be separated from the mother branch and planted on permanent place growth. Linden is propagated by layering in the spring, before the buds appear.
Propagation of linden by seeds
Seed propagation of linden is a fairly lengthy process that can last more than one year. The first step in such a responsible matter will be keeping the tree seeds in the cold, the so-called stratification process. To do this, they need to be placed in a container with sawdust or wet sand (in a ratio of 1 to 3), which should be placed in a dark, cold place for 5-6 months, not forgetting to moisten it periodically. You can use a peat-soil mixture in a ratio of 1 to 1, while deepening the seeds by 2-3 cm.
In spring, seeds that have undergone stratification are sown in open ground; the strongest of them will germinate. Under natural conditions, this will take one year. After some time, young plants can be planted in a permanent place, providing proper care and protecting against the cold winter season. Linden seedlings can be grown indoors; This will not affect the usefulness and quality of seedlings.
Propagation of linden by root layering
Linden tree, the photo and description of which evoke sincere sympathy for such a representative flora, propagated by root layering. This is the easiest way, because seedlings, which are also abundant shoots, in this case the linden tree itself gives. Such sprouts, the survival rate of which is quite high, can be safely separated from the mother root and planted in a permanent place of growth. They can easily tolerate slight damage to the root system, but care must be taken when planting.
Planting linden: features
At the bottom of the planting hole, the depth and width of which are about 50 cm, a 10-15 cm layer of good drainage (broken brick, pebbles, crushed stone) should be laid, and topped with a mixture of humus and superphosphate (50-60 grams for each hole). Then you need to place the seedling in the planting hole; Moreover, the root collar must be placed at the same level with the surface of the earth. In group plantings, a distance of 3-4 meters must be maintained between trees. When purchasing young trees, attention should be paid to the condition of the root system (it should have a strong and healthy appearance), the correctness of the crown and the absence of signs of disease or damage.
Features of linden care
After planting, the young tree needs to be watered abundantly and fed for 2 years (three times per season) with nitrogen fertilizers. This can be an infusion of mullein, diluted in a ratio of 1 to 10 with water.
You can begin cultivating linden the next year after planting. During the first pruning, carried out before the buds open, it is not recommended to shorten the crown by more than a third of the total length of the branches.
Young linden seedlings require regular watering; mature trees can make do with natural precipitation; they should be watered only during very dry periods. For 1 square meter of linden crown, water consumption is 20 liters. Loosening of tree trunk circles is carried out 2-3 times per season, while removing weeds. In winter, you can mulch with a layer of 10-12 centimeters of peat, fallen leaves, wood chips or sawdust.
Tree healer
The linden tree, the photo and description of which clearly confirms its value for humans, has healing properties. It has long been a lifesaver tree, helping people get rid of many diseases; Moreover, the healing function is performed by all its parts: bark, branches, flowers, leaves. Traditional medicine has been using the healing powers of the linden tree since ancient times.
Linden charcoal, obtained from branches and wood, was used by the Slavs to treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, diarrhea, dysentery and to heal wounds. Burns were treated with a boiled mass of linden bark, and a decoction fresh leaves and kidneys were used as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent. Infused linden flowers are still considered an excellent diaphoretic and are used for colds, fainting, and for rinsing the mouth for inflammation of the throat and gums. Linden nuts were used to stop internal bleeding, and powder from crushed dry leaves of the tree was used to stop nosebleeds.
Linden tea, characterized by a sweetish taste and pleasant aroma, is used to treat colds. Also, this drink has a diuretic effect, cures cystitis, urolithiasis, pyelonephritis, and hypertension. Contraindications include additional stress on the heart, so when consuming linden tea You should always remember that this is just a medicinal drink that should not replace regular tea. Linden flowers are used for lotions and compresses; in case of excessive emotionality and nervous disorders, baths in linden infusions are recommended, the peculiarity of which is a beneficial effect on the body as a whole.
Linden infusion helps reduce facial skin oiliness when used regularly.
Collection of lime raw materials
The collection of linden flowers is carried out during their flowering period, when most of them have already blossomed, and lasts about 2 weeks. Inflorescences, damaged by diseases and pests, do not collect.
The resulting raw material, spread out in an even 4-5 cm layer, must be dried in a well-ventilated area or in the attic. When dry warm weather the flowers will be ready for further use in 5 days. The fact that drying should be stopped can be understood by the fragility of the peduncles. Dried flowers, which have a shelf life of 2 years, have a pleasant faint aroma and a sweetish astringent taste.
The buds are collected in the spring, in dry weather; Bark harvesting is also carried out in spring period(before flowering) or at the end of autumn. It is dried, ground to a powder and brewed as tea. The shelf life of such raw materials is 3 years.
Linden tree: diseases and pests
Linden, like any plant, has its pests; These are the bark beetle, woodcutter, soldier bug, goldentail, leaf roller, yellow-throated mouse, gypsy moth, silver hole. Linden tree diseases include white rot, molding of seeds, and leaf spot.
The tree has a wide tent-shaped crown up to 30 meters high. The average lifespan of linden trees is about 150 years, but there are also long-livers with an age of 1200 years. The plant has a straight trunk, reaching a diameter of up to 5 meters, covered with gray fissured bark.
Linden blooms in June, filling the space around it with a pleasant aroma. It begins to bear fruit in August in the form of round nuts in a dense shell. The plant is frost-resistant and can withstand frosts down to -40 degrees. The heart-shaped linden is distributed almost throughout Europe, partly in Southeast Asia, middle lane Russia, and the European linden grows only in Europe. The heart-shaped linden is part of mixed-deciduous and coniferous-deciduous forests. Selects well-drained, structured soils with sufficient moisture. Linden reproduces using seeds. It is susceptible to some diseases and has a number of pests - soldier bug, silver hole, gypsy moth, bark beetles, lumberjacks, etc.
Linden is an excellent honey plant, and linden honey has been valued for a long time because of its excellent taste, pleasant aroma and its healing properties. During flowering, a bee colony can collect up to 5 kg of honey from one tree in one day, and 1 hectare of linden plantations can produce up to 1.5 tons of sweet and useful product. Linden honey is useful for various colds; in turn, it was used for skin diseases.
IN folk medicine All parts of a given tree are used: flowers, leaves and wood. Our ancestors used wood charcoal to quickly heal wounds, as well as to treat stomach pain. Infusions and decoctions were used for burns and as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent. Decoctions and infusions of the flowers of this plant are an excellent diaphoretic and were indispensable for colds.
IN modern medicine linden takes its toll worthy place. Linden flowers and bracts are popularly used as a diaphoretic, and infusions from them are used for inflammation of the mouth, throat and sore throat. Linden flower tea treats colds, flu, pneumonia (pneumonia). Infusions can be used (together with flowers) in the form of compresses and lotions. For disorders nervous system It is recommended to take baths with the addition of linden decoction. In addition, linden tea has a diuretic effect and is used in the treatment of urolithiasis, cystitis, pyelonephritis and hypertension.
Linden is harvested as a medicinal raw material from spring to late autumn. In the spring, buds are harvested, and when the leaves bloom, buds with leaves are harvested. The harvested raw materials are dried under a canopy or using dryers. The shelf life of such medicinal raw materials is about 2 years.
Linden bark is harvested early spring, before the start of sap flow, or in late autumn. It is dried and then ground into powder and can be stored in this form for 2 years.
Flowers, along with unopened buds, are harvested, naturally, during the flowering period. Collection is carried out over 10-14 days in dry weather. It is not recommended to prepare wet raw materials, since during the drying process it will change its color from golden, pleasant, to dark, unpleasant. The flowers are dried under a canopy for 5 days. Consequently, the dried raw materials have a pleasant appearance and aroma. Can be used for 2 years.
In the old days they said: “The pine tree feeds, the linden tree gives shoes.” The remarkable qualities of linden bark and wood formed the basis for its widespread use. Freshly harvested wood or bark was very soft, and therefore they sewed bast shoes from it, made ropes, and various boxes. Linden wood was even used in warfare: they wove quivers for arrows from linden bast and made protective shields. Once dried, the wood and linden bark became very hard. Knowing this, our ancestors made kitchen utensils from it: cups, ladles, jars. In addition, the wood of this tree was used to make toys, souvenirs, sleighs, and carved frames. Baths and all kinds of accessories for it were built from it: brooms, ladles, vats for water. People who visited the bathhouse drank mead and linden tea from linden cups and tubs. Linden wood is unique in its properties. It is lightweight and very easy to process. In addition, barns were made from it, since linden wood is not liked by rodents.
Linden has powerful and, at the same time, soft energy: the ancient Slavs considered this tree sacred. She was personified with the goddess of love Lada, who brought happiness and beauty. Its energy can relieve people from depression and charge them with vital energy, creating a feeling of inner peace.
In the old days, village estates were literally planted with linden trees. They were almost everywhere: in gardens, in parks, and entire alleys were formed from them. In the village of Mikhailovskoye there is still a linden alley; the same linden alley is located in Yasnaya Polyana, where Leo Tolstoy loved to walk. This is probably why our ancestors supplied a lot of linden honey to Europe, and in those days the trade of beekeeping became very widespread. Nowadays they make it from linden wooden lining, which is successfully used to decorate bathhouses and other premises. The lining has an unusual appearance, is durable and is not afraid of moisture, tolerates temperature changes well, is easy to install and has light weight. In addition, linden wood retains heat well and fills the room with a luxurious aroma.
Linden wood has been successfully used in aircraft modeling. It may still be used now, although it is being replaced by lightweight and durable composite materials.
Linden flowers are used in modern cosmetology and are used for skin and hair care. They cleanse the skin, relieve inflammation, and have a calming effect. Decoctions and steam baths are made from the flowers. They have a beneficial effect on any type of skin.
General information about the plant and the height of the linden tree.
Botanical name: European linden, or heart-shaped linden, or small-leaved linden, (Tilia cordata) - genus Linden, family Linden.
The homeland of the cordate linden: Europe.
Lighting: light-loving, shade-tolerant.
Soil: drained, moist.
Watering: plentiful.
Maximum tree height: 30 m.
Average life expectancy: 150 years, some individuals live up to 1200 years.
Planting: seeds.
Description of the heart-shaped linden tree
Large deciduous tree up to 30m high. The crown is wide, tent-shaped. The trunk is straight, reaching up to 2 - 5 m in diameter.
The bark is gray, fissured. Young shoots are light brown, pubescent, older shoots are dark, glabrous. The buds are oval, at first densely pubescent, then glabrous, 4-5 mm long.
The leaves of the linden tree are heart-shaped, which is how the plant got its name. The leaves are simple, alternate, rounded, elongated, the edge is serrated, the apex is pointed. Dark green above, hairy, light below, densely pubescent with bristly hairs, up to 17 cm long and 19 cm wide. They are supported by thin petioles 3-5 cm long. Young leaves have stipules that quickly fall off.
The inflorescence consists of 3-8 flowers. The buds are spherical, 3–4 mm in diameter, slightly pubescent, yellowish, regular in shape. The inflorescence is located on the axis to which the pre-flowering leaf is attached. The leaf grows together with the petiole, and the inflorescence itself emerges from its middle, so linden flowers are collected together with the pre-flowering leaf.
When does linden blossom?
When linden blossoms, the air is filled with a strong, pleasant aroma. Flowering begins in June and lasts 10-15 days. In hot, dry weather it fades faster.
The fruits are round, elongated, small nuts, with a dense shell, sometimes with grooves, 7-10 mm long, 6-9 mm wide. The fruit contains a seed inside. Fruiting begins in August – September. European linden is frost-resistant. Able to withstand frosts down to - 40⁰C. The photo of the heart-shaped linden clearly shows unusual, peculiar leaves, which are a distinctive feature of this tree.
Distribution of the small-leaved linden plant
The linden plant is native to Europe and southeast Asia. Found in central Russia. Settles in mixed, broad-leaved and coniferous-deciduous forests.
It grows in a mixture with other species, often adjacent to oak. In the southern Cis-Ural region there are numerous linden forests. In Berlin there is a long linden alley called Unter den Linden, which means “under the linden trees.”
Planting a linden tree
Small-leaved linden (heart-shaped) can grow equally well in illuminated areas and shady places. Prefers leached, drained, moderately moist, structured soils. Own fallen leaves improve the properties of the soil.
Linden is grown from seeds. Under natural conditions, seeds falling into the soil are stored in it for about a year and germinate the following spring. For normal germination, linden seeds are stratified, cooled and soaked. To do this, they are placed in damp sand and stored there for up to 5 months at a temperature of 0°C. For high germination, all stratification conditions must be met. In spring, seeds are planted in moist soil and provided with abundant watering. Autumn planting of seeds does not require preliminary stratification, but germination in this case may be low.
Sowing seeds can be replaced by transplanting linden seedlings, which often begin to grow near old individuals. Seedlings are dug up in the forest or forest belt. They can be recognized by their cotyledons, which have a lobed shape. They can easily tolerate transplantation, especially if it is done in wet weather. The area for planting seedlings must be fertilized with humus. Planting holes must be at least 60 cm deep. Humus or compost is poured onto the bottom. The seedling placed in the hole is covered with earth and watered abundantly.
When planting in groups, you need to leave a distance of 3-4 m between plants. The root collar should be on its surface after the soil settles. As soil mixture use turf, sand and humus. A drainage layer of crushed stone, 20 cm high, is required. In early spring, additional fertilizing is done with mullein, urea and ammonium nitrate. The first week after planting, abundant watering is required. During the dry period, young seedlings need frequent and abundant watering. Adults do not need watering.
Linden seedlings can be bought at the nursery. They can be large, reaching up to 5 m in height, or ordinary seedlings up to 2 m. The seedlings should be lumpy, with the root collar located on the surface of the lumen. When purchasing, you should check the roots of the seedling. They must be strong and healthy. Seedlings are selected according to appearance, with the correct crown and no signs of damage or disease.
Pests and diseases
Diseases: white rot, seed mold, leaf spot.
Pests: soldier bug, yellow-throated mouse, silver hole, gypsy moth, birch and winter moths, bark beetles, goldenrod, woodcutter, leaf roller, goldentail.
Characteristics of linden for use in medicine
The linden tree has been used in folk medicine since ancient times. The Slavs used the charcoal from this tree to heal wounds and treat the gastrointestinal tract. The mucus of boiled linden bark was used to treat burns. A decoction of fresh buds and leaves was used as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic. Powder from dry crushed leaves was used for nosebleeds, linden nuts served to stop internal bleeding. An infusion of linden flowers was an excellent diaphoretic and was also used for colds and fainting. All parts of the plant were considered medicinal.
In modern scientific medicine, linden flowers and pre-flowers are used and used as a diaphoretic. An infusion of flowers is recommended for rinsing the mouth for inflammation of the gums, and the throat for sore throat. Linden tea effectively treats colds, flu, sore throat, and pneumonia.
Decoctions, infusions and teas are prepared from the flowers. The drink made from linden flowers has a pleasant aroma and sweet taste. In addition, lotions and compresses are made from linden flowers. For nervous disorders and increased excitability, baths with the addition of linden decoction are recommended. Such a bath not only calms nervous system, but also has a beneficial effect on the entire body as a whole.
Linden infusion helps reduce facial skin oiliness and should be used to wipe the skin regularly. Tea made from linden flowers has a diuretic effect, treats urolithiasis, cystitis, pyelonephritis, and hypertension.
Linden fruits are collected, crushed and used as a hemostatic agent for external and internal bleeding.
Tea is brewed from linden bark, which has choleretic and diaphoretic properties and increases the body's protective functions.
Linden charcoal is used for diarrhea, dysentery and other diseases of the stomach and intestines. It is obtained from wood and tree branches.
Linden tea has a number of contraindications. It puts additional stress on the heart, so it should be used with caution. When drinking linden tea, you should remember that it is primarily a medicinal drink, so it cannot replace regular teas.
Collection and preparation of raw materials and leaves of linden trees
Flowers are collected during the flowering period, when a significant part of them has blossomed, and the rest is in buds. The collection of raw materials continues for 10-14 days. Inflorescences damaged by diseases and pests cannot be collected. You cannot collect flowers that have not dried after rain or dew, as they will turn brown when dried. The collected inflorescences are dried in attics or in a well-ventilated area, spread out in an even layer of 4-5 cm on paper. Drying in the sun is not recommended, as this leads to loss of quality of the raw material. In warm, dry weather, the flowers dry out in 5 days. Drying stops when the flower stalks become brittle. The shelf life of raw materials is 2 years. Dried flowers have a faint, pleasant aroma. The taste is sweetish, astringent.
The buds are collected in the spring in dry weather. Dry in dryers or under a canopy. Shelf life: 2 years.
The bark is harvested in early spring before flowering or at the end of autumn. It is dried, ground into powder and brewed as tea. Shelf life: 3 years.
The leaves are collected fresh along with the buds. Dry under a canopy. Shelf life: 2 years.
The smell of linden and linden honey
During flowering strong smell linden trees spread over long distances. This smell attracts bees. Linden is an excellent honey plant; the honey of this plant is very healthy, distinguished by its transparency and sweet taste. For colds, complex treatment with honey and tea from this tree is recommended.
There are 17 million flowers per 1 hectare of linden forest, from which up to 1.5 tons of nectar can be collected. One bee colony collects up to 5 kg of honey per day from a tree.
Use of linden in the old days
Having studied the pages of history, one can be convinced that beekeeping was one of the most widespread and important crafts among the ancient Slavs. Honey and wax throughout many years exported from Russia. Linden honey in combs was used for treatment colds. Skin diseases were treated with honey.
Peasants used linden to weave shoes. This is where the saying comes from: “the linden tree feeds, it puts on shoes.” Since bast bast shoes wore out quickly, one person needed up to 40 pairs of such braids per year. They also made mats, ropes, boxes, and coolies from linden.
Quivers for arrows were woven from linden bast and military shields were made.
Initially soft linden wood, when dried, becomes very hard. This property made it possible to use it in everyday life. Kitchen utensils, ladles, cups, jars, carts, sleighs, carved frames, souvenirs, and toys were made from wood. Baths and barns were cut from linden trees. Linden barns were not damaged by rodents, baths made of this wood kept warm for a long time.
From time immemorial, it was customary to steam in a Russian bath with a linden broom. Houses for ablution were built from the same wood, shelves and benches, washcloths and other bath accessories were made. In the Russian bathhouse there was traditionally a vat of linden kvass and ladles of linden honey. While relaxing, the steamers drank mead and linden tea.
Linden fruits and flowers in cosmetology
Linden blossom is used in cosmetology for skin and hair care. Thanks to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, it deeply cleanses the skin, eliminates inflammation, has a calming effect, does not dry out or irritate the skin.
Steam baths are used to care for normal and oily skin. For dry skin, decoctions of linden color and linden fruits.
In addition, linden is good remedy hair care. It can be used to make a natural rinse that can be used after every hair wash.
Application in construction
Linden lining looks unusual and very beautiful, it is durable, resistant to temperature changes, and tolerates well high humidity air, light weight, easy to install. Used for internal lining saunas and baths.
The wood of this tree is often used to build baths. It is easy to process, retains heat for a long time and fills the bathhouse with a pleasant aroma. Is an excellent material for interior decoration because it doesn't burn.
The linden tree was considered sacred by the ancient Slavs. He was associated with the goddess of love - Lada, who personified happiness, beauty and grace.
Linden has a soft but strong energy. It absorbs negative energy, relieves depression and depression, and restores vitality. Contact with wood creates a feeling of peace, warmth, and inner harmony.
Linden was a favorite plant in village estates. Today, in different parts of Russia, centuries-old linden trees can be found on the site of ancient parks. For example, in the village of Mikhailovskoye, an entire linden alley has been preserved, where A. Kern loved to walk. The linden alley in Yasnaya Polyana, associated with the name of L.N. Tolstoy, has also been preserved.
Description of the European linden
European linden (Tilia europea) is an ornamental, deciduous tree with an oval crown, reaching up to 40 m in height. Grows in Western Europe. The crown diameter is 20 m. The upper branches are directed upward, the middle ones are horizontal, the lower ones hang down. Trunk diameter is 2 m. The leaves are heart-shaped, rounded, uneven, with a serrated edge, on a long petiole, dark green above, smooth, light below, up to 6 cm long. In autumn they acquire yellow color. The flowers are small, yellowish-white, collected in inflorescences of 5-8 pieces, with a light green bract. Flowering begins in June – July. Lasts 10-12 days. The fruits of the European linden are spherical small nuts without ribs.
Has high frost resistance. Shade-tolerant. Sensitive to drought. Tolerates urban conditions well and absorbs dust. Not demanding on soil. Prefers fertile, well-drained areas. Easily tolerates pruning and crown formation.
Used to create parks, alleys, hedges. Tolerates transplantation well. Propagated by seeds, cuttings and layering. Lives up to 500 years. Often adjacent to oak and maple. Has a number decorative forms, the most interesting of which is the European linden, characterized by large 2-3 apical, serrated leaves.
Characteristics of common linden
Linden (Tilia cordata Mill) is a natural hybrid of small-leaved and large-leaved linden. Acquired features of both parents. The height of the tree reaches up to 40 m in height. The crown is dense, wide-pyramidal.
The leaves are large, simple, alternate, heart-shaped, sharp-toothed, with an elongated apex, dark green, up to 8 cm long. The flowers are yellowish-white, small, up to 1 cm in diameter, fragrant, collected in corymbose inflorescences of 3-15 pieces, with membranous bract.
The fruits are small spherical nuts with a diameter of up to 8 mm. Ripen in September. They stay on the tree until winter, then fall off. The tree lives up to 400 years. Winter-hardy. Not demanding on soil. Drought resistant.
Used for landscaping streets and creating hedges. It is planted quite rarely in private gardens due to its excessively large dimensions.
The photo gallery contains photos of the cordate linden and its varieties.
Photo gallery: European linden (click on the image to enlarge):
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The linden tree is no less common in our squares and parks than maples, birches and poplars. It is valued for its unpretentiousness, exceptional longevity, and thick silky crown. The entire plant, from flowers to wood, brings great benefits. Inflorescences, bark, buds and bracts are valuable medicinal raw materials, not a single Russian steam room is complete without a linden broom; environmentally friendly dishes, washcloths, and burlap are made from durable bast.
This green beauty is rightfully considered a real treasure among the trees. In addition, it is easy to grow it yourself. In a word, the linden itself asks to be placed under our windows. All that remains is to learn the intricacies of planting and caring for this amazing plant.
In the old days, seals were made of metal, which was expensive and difficult to process. Craftsmen began to forge them, cutting blanks from soft and pliable linden wood. Since then, the “fake” label has been firmly attached to all fakes.
Description of the tree
In Russia, linden is found throughout the entire territory, with the exception of the northernmost regions. Some of its varieties have mastered the Far East and Southern Siberia. Linden looks wonderful both in single plantings and in alleys and green tunnels.
Linden belongs to woody plants family Malvaceae. Young leaves have stipules that quickly fall off. The blossoming leaves are heart-shaped or oval, with jagged edges. The flowers are collected in inflorescences-umbrellas, which extend from the bract leaf, unlike all the others. After flowering ends, a nut-shaped fruit with seeds ripens.
In the open, linden forms as a spreading single-trunked or multi-trunked tree. In shading it looks more like tall bush. Life expectancy reaches 600 years.
Types of linden
The Linden tree genus describes about 45 species. IN Eastern Europe Several varieties are common - heart-shaped linden (small-leaved or winter). It is distinguished by the bluish underside of the leaves, on which there are tufts of light brown hairs.
The second variety is large-leaved linden (flat-leaved or summer). She wakes up earlier in the spring, has more large leaves without a bluish coating.
In the Caucasus, Crimea and the central European part of Russia, felt or silver linden is also found. Its heavily pubescent leaves resemble felt to the touch. This variety reaches 35 m in height and has a wide pyramidal crown.
The Caucasian linden is also different greater height, spherical spreading crown and reddish-brown shoots.
Manchurian linden is a low tree with good winter hardiness. It is often multi-stemmed. Widely distributed in the south of the Far East.
Linden is easy to propagate by root shoots, stem layering, seeds and seedlings.
How to grow linden from seeds
Propagation by seeds is the longest growing method. At least 10 years will pass from the moment the seedlings transform into a young tree.
For good germination, linden seeds must be stratified. They are placed in a container with a damp substrate and placed in a cool, dark place for 5–6 months, periodically moistening.
In spring, stratified seeds are sown in open ground. The seedlings are protected from wind and heavy rain and thinned out. At the beginning of summer, seedlings are fed with fertilizers containing nitrogen; in the second half of summer they switch to phosphorus-potassium mixtures.
For the winter, young sprouts need shelter. The following year, the plants are planted in a permanent place, which should preferably be fenced.
Reproduction by layering
To obtain stem cuttings in the spring before the leaves appear, bend the lower branches to the ground, place them in shallow grooves and dig them in. Cuttings of currants and gooseberries are obtained in approximately the same way. After 1–2 years, the branches will sprout roots and a new plant will appear above the ground. It is cut off from the mother root with a sharp shovel and transplanted to a permanent place.
Propagation of linden by root layering is even easier. Mature plants produce abundant shoots, which are carefully separated from the parent tree and transplanted to a new location.
How to plant a linden seedling correctly
Linden is undemanding to soils, but prefers light sandy loam with a high content of humus. Can't stand it high location groundwater.
When planting linden seedlings to create a hedge, you should know that they will reach full development only by 25–40 years.
Young linden trees easily tolerate minor damage to the roots, but still, when planting, care should be taken, leaving earthen lump intact. When purchasing a seedling from a nursery, it is advisable to choose specimens with a closed root system.
The planting hole for a standard linden seedling should be at least half a meter in diameter and depth. A layer of drainage is poured onto the bottom - pebbles, crushed stone, expanded clay or broken brick. A layer of mature compost mixed with superphosphate at the rate of 50–60 g per seedling is placed on top of the drainage. Then the seedling is placed in the hole and covered with soil with the following composition:
- 1 part of turf land;
- 2 parts humus;
- 2 parts sand.
To strengthen the seedlings you will need stakes. 2-3 pegs are driven in along the edges of the planting hole and tied to the trunk with soft loops.
The root collar is placed at ground level. If the soil in the hole settles slightly and the neck is slightly lower, this is not a problem for the linden tree.
After planting, caring for the linden tree involves abundant watering. Grown trees are fed twice a year. In spring, add to a bucket of water:
- 1 kg of manure;
- 20 g urea;
- 25 g ammonium nitrate.
Mix everything and pour into trunk circle after watering clean water. In autumn, add 20 g to a bucket of water.
Crown care and formation
Only young plants need regular moisture. Adult specimens tolerate drought without problems. They are watered only during the driest period at the rate of 20 liters of water per 1 square meter. m of tree trunk circle.
Loosening the soil under a linden tree is carried out several times a season, simultaneously removing weeds. Before winter, seedlings are mulched with leaf litter, sawdust, wood chips or peat 10–12 cm thick.
The linden tree is pruned twice a year. Spring sanitary pruning is carried out before the buds open. The tree is carefully inspected and dry, broken and diseased branches are cut off. During autumn formative pruning, crowns growing inward and strongly thickening branches are removed.
At the very first pruning, the branches are shortened by no more than 1/3.
With this compassionate care the linden tree will quickly turn into a luxurious, spreading beauty. Rest in its shade will be serene, and the aroma of flowers on a July afternoon will refresh and bring back the best memories.
Planting a linden tree in a summer cottage - video