American Linden
Hardiness zone: 3
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American Linden (Tilia americana)
Large Shade Tree for Ontario and Eastern Canada (Zones 3–7)
Quick Expert Summary
The American Linden (Tilia americana) is a fast-growing, extremely cold-hardy tree ideal for Ontario and Eastern Canada (Zones 3–7). It typically grows 1.5–2 ft per year (45–60 cm) and reaches 60-120 ft ( 18-37 m) at maturity. Best for backyard shade, large landscapes, and pollinator-friendly gardens, it offers fragrant summer flowers and excellent adaptability to a wide range of soils.
Why Choose American Linden for Ontario and Eastern Canada?
A native Canadian tree known for its exceptional cold hardiness and impressive shade canopy, the American Linden is perfect for large properties and long-term landscape value.
- Hardiness: Zone 3 (Ideal for Ontario and Eastern Canada Zones 3–7)
- Growth Rate: Fast
- Best For: Shade, ornamental planting, large yards
- Maintenance: Medium once established
- Key Feature: Fragrant summer flowers
- Native / Non-native: Native to Eastern North America
It adapts well to:
- Deep, rich soils
- Moist soils
- Loamy soil textures and neutral pH
- Rural and natural landscapes
- Cold climates and snow load
Tree Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mature Height | 60–120 ft (18–37 m) |
| Mature Spread | 70-80 ft |
| Growth Rate | 1.5–2 ft per year |
| Hardiness Zone | 3 (Ideal for Ontario and Eastern Canada Zones 3–7) |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Preference | Moist, well-drained, adaptable |
| Water Needs | Moderate (regular first year) |
| Drought Tolerance | Moderate once established |
| Deer Resistance | Low |
| Lifespan | 100+ years |
Is American Linden Right for Your Yard?
Choose American Linden if:
- You want shade within 5–10 years
- You have a large yard
- You live in Zones 3–7
- You want fragrant flowers + cooling shade
- You need a tree for backyard shade or a focal point
Not ideal if:
- Your yard is very small (large mature spread)
- You need a tree for deep shade conditions
- You are planting too close to foundations or power lines
Best Uses
- Backyard shade
- Large property landscaping
- Front yard focal tree
- Pollinator-friendly gardens
- Natural or rural landscapes
Why it works: Dense canopy provides deep shade, large leaves create a cooling effect, and fragrant flowers attract bees and pollinators.
What Makes American Linden Special?
A classic North American shade tree valued for both beauty and ecological benefits.
- Spring: Large heart-shaped leaves emerge fresh green
- Summer: Fragrant pale-yellow flowers attract pollinators
- Fall: Leaves turn soft yellow
- Winter: Strong branching structure adds landscape presence
Winter Survival in Ontario and Eastern Canada
Yes, American Linden is hardy in Ontario and Eastern Canada Zones 3–7 and tolerates typical Canadian winter conditions including snow load and freezing temperatures.
First-year tip:
- Add 2–3 inches of mulch
- Water deeply before the first hard frost
- Consider wind protection if your site is exposed
Planting Guide for Ontario and Eastern Canada
Best planting time:
- Spring (April–June)
- Early fall (September–October)
Spacing:
- 20–30 ft from foundations
- 30–40 ft between trees
Watering (first year):
- Water deeply once per week for the first growing season
- Adjust based on rainfall and soil drainage
Quick Answers (FAQ)
How fast does American Linden grow in Ontario?
Typically 1.5–2 ft per year in good conditions.
Is it cold hardy in Ontario?
Yes. It is hardy to Zone 3 and performs well in Ontario and Eastern Canada Zones 3–7.
Does it need another tree for pollination?
No. It does not require another tree to thrive.
Are the roots invasive?
Not typically invasive, but plant at least 20–30 ft from structures.
Is it messy?
Moderate—flowers and leaves may drop seasonally.
Compare With Similar Trees
| Tree | Growth | Key Feature | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Linden | Fast | Fragrant flowers, dense shade | Large yards, shade |
| Sugar Maple | Moderate | Fall colour, maple syrup | Ornamental + shade |
| Little-leaf Linden | Moderate | Dense symmetrical form, fragrant blooms, urban tolerance | Street trees, formal landscapes, shade planting |
Shipping Across Quebec, Ontario and Atlantic Provinces
- Nursery-grown
- Carefully packaged
- Shipped to your door in Quebec, Ontario and Atlantic Provinces
- Healthy root system guarantee
Explore Related Collections
- Shade Trees
- Native Trees
- Zone 3 Trees
- Large Landscape Trees
Related articles:
- How to Choose the Best Shade Tree for Your Yard
- Top Native Trees for Canadian Landscapes
Sizes of our plants
Sizes of our plants
Our trees and shrubs are sold in two sizes: small (110 ml volume) and large (310 ml volume).
Volume discount
Volume discount
At OnlineTrees.com, the more you buy, the more you save! We offer a volume discount program that benefits our customers who place large orders! To find out the discount you will receive, based on the value of your order, consult the table below.
From $0.00 to $199.99 = 0% discount
From $200.00 to $299.99 = 5% discount
$300.00 and over = 10% discount
Delivery across Canada - Spring 2026
Delivery across Canada - Spring 2026
Delivery available across Canada. Order now and receive your plants in Spring 2026.
Nursery pickup: A flat preparation and packaging fee of $8 will be added to your bill upon pickup. Select the "nursery pickup" option at checkout on our online store.
Quebec and Ontario: Base fee of $23, plus 20% of the plants' value. Add $5 for signature.
All other Canadian provinces: Base fee of $50, plus 20% of the plant value. Add $5 for signature.
Glossary of trees and shrubs of Quebec
Glossary of trees and shrubs of Quebec
Questions about our terminology? Consult our online glossary .
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