Leaves: Basswood leaves are 4" to 8" long and almost as wide, abruptly converging to a point at the apex (acuminate), and heart-shaped or truncated at the base. Heavily serrated margins with large pointed teeth, dark green and smooth on the dorsal side and light green beneath.

LOCATION

Owner: UGA State Botanical Gardens
Nominated by: Bob Barker
Accessible: Yes, Fred Galle Native Azalea garden, from the west, across first wooden bridge near the road
Coordinates: State Plane
GA West NAD83 (feet)
E: 2,533,317 N: 1,420,210


Notes: The Basswood or American Linden is a large native species growing throughout the Piedmont. It is not treasured as a landscape tree, since there are other more ornamental species from which to choose. However, given the space, the Basswood can develop into an attractive specimen on large landscapes. Many species in the genera have taxonomic differences so small they are difficult to identify. Some authors have classified as many as six species as synonymous. The wood of these trees is used commercially for a variety of wood products including furniture, and the tough inner bark is sometimes used for making rope.

Bark: Gray to brown with many long, narrow, flat topped and scaly ridges that are fibrous and tough.

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