Large-leaved lime
Tilia platyphyllos has larger, hairier leaves and is used the same way.
Use the botanical sourceCulinary reference
Small-leaved lime.
Tilia cordata
Also found as Linden · Lime tree
A large woodland tree with heart-shaped leaves and fragrant flowers hanging from a pale, wing-like bract.
Sources checked 27 September 2026 · Specialist field review pending
Before any gathering or use
Use modest amounts. Street trees collect traffic pollution, so gather from parks and woods away from roads.
Where it grows
Tracked records and known growing zone
- Verified records
- 16,601
- People who recorded it
- 4,340
- Most records (northern hemisphere)
- May–Jul
- Records span
- 2000–2026
| January | 151 |
|---|---|
| February | 148 |
| March | 188 |
| April | 1123 |
| May | 3337 |
| June | 3639 |
| July | 3373 |
| August | 2434 |
| September | 1212 |
| October | 581 |
| November | 236 |
| December | 165 |
Research-grade iNaturalist records, snapshot Aug 27, 2026. The growing zone combines areas where different people have repeatedly verified it. Records show where people looked and found it, not current abundance or permission to gather.
01 / Learn to see
Field marks
- 01
Heart-shaped leaves with fine teeth and orange hair tufts on the underside veins.
- 02
Clusters of small pale yellow flowers hang from a long, pale bract.
- 03
Small round fruits remain attached to the bract.
These are study prompts, not a complete identification key. Confirm the full plant with a regional flora and an experienced local identifier.
02 / Resolve the differences
Look closely. Compare.
Selected comparisons only. Other lookalikes may occur locally.
03 / Meet the place
Habitat & season
Range context
Native across much of Europe to western Asia; widely planted in streets and parks.
Watch the plant stage
Flowers in early to midsummer; young leaves in spring.
Stage guidance is not a local forecast. Check your climate, elevation and a regional source; no month-shift formula is used here.
04 / Gather with care
Documented use & care
Parts discussed: Flower · Young leaf
Dry flowers with bracts for tea. Young leaves are eaten raw in salads.
Care for the patch
Take a few flower clusters from low branches and leave the rest for pollinators.
Preparation & storage essentials05 / Follow the evidence
Sources & review
- Wikipedia · Tilia cordataBotanical description, range and documented use
- iNaturalist · Tilia cordataTaxonomy and verified observation records
Checked 27 September 2026. Original editorial synthesis; source institutions have not reviewed or endorsed this guide. Independent botanical field review is pending. Photos illustrate specimens; they do not certify the identity of a plant you find.
Suggest a correction