Basswood is a graceful native tree that provides shade, beauty, and vital support for pollinators in your yard and beyond.
Quick Facts
Height: approximately 45 feet in urban settings
Spread: approximately 25 feet in urban settings
Form: straight trunk with a symmetrical, ovate to rounded crown and arching upper branches
Leaves: simple, dark green above and paler green below in summer and bright yellow to yellow green in fall, heart-shaped with serrate edges; emerges in spring
Bark: smooth, light green-brown when young; fibrous, rigid, furrowed, dark grey-brown when mature
Flowers: small, creamy yellow, fragrant clusters borne on long, leafy wings; emerge in late spring and hang behind the leaves
Fruit: pea-sized, brown, round clusters of nutlets; mature in fall
Distinguishing Feature
Basswood is known for its large, heart-shaped leaves and its fragrant, pale-yellow flowers that attract pollinators.
Historical Fact
Basswood was commonly planted along city streets and in public parks in the 19th century due to its fast growth, deep shade and fragrant summer blooms. Many historic towns and campuses still feature mature basswoods that were planted over a century ago.
Why We Love It
Basswood is a stunning native tree that provides ample shade with its broad canopy and supports pollinators with its nectar-rich flowers. Its fast growth and adaptability make it a great choice for urban and rural landscapes alike, contributing to local biodiversity and enhancing natural spaces.
Did You Know?
- Also known as the "bee tree," its blooms are one of the best nectar sources for pollinators in North America.
- The fragrant flowers of the basswood are a favorite of honeybees, producing a highly prized, light-colored honey.
- Basswood has long been valued for its soft, workable wood and strong inner bark fibers, and can be used to make rope, mats, baskets, musical instruments and furniture.
Plant Your Own!
Planting a basswood in your yard is a wonderful way to enhance the beauty of your property and provide habitat for native wildlife. Plant for Less with LEAF’s subsidized Backyard Tree Planting Program today!
LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the protection and improvement of urban forests. We envision vibrant communities where everyone benefits from a healthy urban forest. For over 30 years we have been connecting people with trees through education, planting and stewardship.
