LINDEN CULTIVARS FOR THE PRAIRIES

The Linden family is characterized by heart shaped leaves, graceful shady crowns and small golden flowers that are know for fragrance.  Lindens are one of the most attractive ornamental trees because of their symmetrical growth habit.  They take a couple of years to set down root after transplanting and then grow at a moderate to fast rate once they are established.   Lindens prefer to grow on moist, fertile soils that are well drained and sufficiently aerated.  The homeowner or city crew can provide optimum conditions for Lindens by a regular maintenance program that includes watering, fertilizing, pruning and aeration.  

Lindens that have been planted on the harsh urban sites tend to lose their vigour and die prematurely.  Sites that are not suitable for Lindens include the heavy soils that become compacted by urban activity, draughty soils that do not retain moisture or fertilizer, locations where winter salt spray is prevalent and highly exposed areas where wind and sun penetrate the tree.  Lindens have the potential to be used more extensively as a landscape tree throughout the prairies.  They are becoming more available and can serve as an alternative to the widely used ash (Fraxinus).  The main Lindens grown on the prairies are presented below. All of these lindens do well in the northern prairies or Parkland area.   In the dry south-western region of the prairies, American and Dropmore Linden have performed best.