American basswood, (tilia americana)

The American basswood is one of the largest hardwoods in Quebec and one of our most beautiful hardwoods. It can reach up to 40 m in height and live up to 200 years. When young, its shape is pyramidal and regular, whereas older, its branches are rather spreading. It is a fast growing tree. Its pale gray-brown bark becomes rough with age.
The leaves are simple, asymmetrical, coarsely toothed and have a pointed heart shape at the tip. The upper side is dark green and the underside is light green. They are arranged alternately along the branch and are particularly wide in young subjects. In July, its yellowish-white flowers are remarkably fragrant and attract bees, which has earned it the name “honey tree”. With its dried flowers, you can make herbal teas with a superb taste. The globose, dry fruit is covered with brownish pubescence. It is held in a bouquet on a bract which only falls in winter.