Seasonal Wild Flowers

Lime

Latin name

Tilia x europaea (Tilia cordata x T. platyphyllos)

Family

Tiliaceae

Other names

Common Lime, Linden

Flowering season

June to July

English distribution

It is found throughout the country.

See the BSBI distribution map for Lime

Habitat

Although a hybrid, it is native in woods occasionally, but is

mostly planted. It is common in woodland, by roads and

in urban streets.

Description

Lime is a tall tree (up to 46m) with a smooth trunk with

bosses.

The flowers are in clusters of 4-10, hanging and creamy

white.

There are 5 white petals, numerous stamens, which are

longer than the petals.

There is a slender white style with a 5-lobed stigma.

The ovary is 5-celled and initially hairy.

Fruits are approximately 8mm across, round to ovoid,

with a yellow-green lime key (wing).

Leaves are broadly oval to heart shaped, pointed and

toothed.

The upper surface is dark green and the lower surface

pale and ribbed, with tufts of white hairs at the junction

of the ribs.

Lime is very attractive to aphids, resulting in the

production of honey-dew which drips onto cars parked

below.

It mainly spreads by suckers and planting, although

some seeds are fertile.

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Lime flowers and key

Petals, stamens, style and

5-lobed stigma

Stamens and anthers

Ovary, style, 5-lobed stigma

Leaves - upper side

White tufts of hairs on underside of leaves

Urban lime with boss