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6. South of Steinhardt Conservatory

Crimean Linden (Tilia x euchlora)

A Shady Past

This linden hybrid has a peculiar background—no one quite knows its origin. It is thought that a little-leaf linden (Tilia cordata) and a Crimean species (Tilia dasystyla) spontaneously crossbred in Crimea circa 1860, but no one can say for certain. No matter: The end result is a stunning tree that can grow up to 80 feet tall and has glossy deep green leaves and fragrant yellow flowers. Europeans call linden trees limes, although the tree is not related to the citrus-bearing common lime (Citrus aurantifolia). In North America, the linden is also commonly called the basswood tree.

Bees go bonkers for sweet-smelling linden flowers.

Butter From a Tree?

The flowers of the Crimean linden produce a delectable nectar that bees can't resist; scientists have even observed bees becoming intoxicated from sipping too much of the good stuff. Beekeepers love the nectar too, because their bees create exceptional honey after consuming it. Cows in Europe are fed this tree's leaves, which are rich in fatty acids. More fat in a cow's diet equals more fat in its milk, which means high-quality butter can be made from linden-fed milkers.

Notable Neighbors:

• 6A. Dawn redwood grove (Metasequoia glyptostroboides)
• 6B. White willow (Salix alba 'Tristis')
• 6C. Yellow buckeye (Aesculus flava)

Inside the Conservatory:

• Akee Tree (Blighia sapida)
• Dragonsblood Tree (Pterocarpus officinalis)
• Tasmanian Blue Gum (Eucalyptus globulus)
• Honduras Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla)
• Mesquite Tree (Prosopis glandulosa)

What on earth happened to this tree's trunk? Possibly a branch from one stem crossed the other stem, and where the branch and stem came into close contact and rubbed together, the bark wore away, and their tissues fused to form a sort of bridge. (Photo by Romi Ige)