Linden heart-shaped: description, Latin name. Linden Manchurian

Linden - genus woody plants, trees or large shrubs belonging to the Linden family. Modern botanists consider the genus as a subfamily within the Malvaceae family. In nature, the linden tree grows in temperate and subtropical zones, in broad-leaved and mixed forests in North America, Europe, and Asia. When the linden blossoms, the forests are filled with honey aroma, and the air is filled with the buzz of bees.

Since ancient times, linden has been valued for its presence healing properties and used as a powerful medicine. The benefits of linden for human health are so strong that even in the modern world, when the pharmaceutical industry is quite developed, linden is used to treat the most various diseases. In medicine, they use: buds and flowers of linden, bark, linden honey.

On our website there is a detailed article about medicinal properties, contraindications and collection.

Lindens are large deciduous trees up to 40 meters high. It's nice to see how the linden tree looks like: a dense, beautiful, dense, easily shaped crown, pleases the eye. Linden leaves are simple, alternate, shaped like a heart, with grooves along the edge, pointed. Apart from beautiful crown, linden has fragrant flowers, lemon hue, collected in corymbose inflorescences.

Linden blossoms for two weeks in July. The tree blooms in natural conditions at the 20th year of life, and in plantations - only after 30 years. At the time of linden blossom, the air is filled with a light delicate honey aroma, which is felt far beyond the boundaries of linden gardens and parks.

Linden fruits are single-seeded nuts. The seeds are tiny, about the size of a pea. Fruits-nuts are collected several on separate stalks. Each such stem is equipped with a special wing, thin and rather wide. This wing helps the seeds to scatter over long distances. It is easy to remember what a linden looks like, it can always be distinguished from other trees. In summer, on heart-shaped leaves, in early spring on crimson young twigs with buds, silky bark. root system trees strong, deep.

Plants can reach a respectable age, but to the question: “How many years does a linden live?” there is no clear answer. Lindens are known, which are up to 800 and even 1000 years old. In the forests where linden grows, other plants also thrive, since the falling leaves of lindens are a nutritious fertilizer. In addition, linden is a well-known honey plant. Linden honey is considered one of the best.

Species and varieties

There are about 45 species and over 100 hybrid varieties lindens. The most common: heart-shaped linden or small-leaved linden, large-leaved linden, Amur linden, felted linden or fluffy linden, Siberian linden, European linden, bush linden.

American (black)

Linden American

The American linden or black linden is a heat-loving tree up to 40 meters high. The crown is wide, oval, the bark is inky black. The leaves are oval-shaped, wide, up to 20 cm long, heart-shaped at the base, with notches along the edges. The flowers are large, collected in drooping inflorescences of 6-15 pieces, up to 1.5 cm in diameter. Representatives of this species grow rather slowly.

Amurskaya

Amur linden

Linden Amur is a graceful tree up to 30 meters high. The crown is dense, compact, oval in shape. The bark of young plants is glossy, brown-purple, in adults it is dark smoky, with longitudinal cracks. The leaves are shaped like a heart, with grooves along the edges, up to 7 cm long. fragrant flowers milky or lemon shade are collected in inflorescences of 5-15 pieces.

Yellowing "Glenleven"

Linden yellowing

Linden yellowing is an ornamental tree up to 15 meters high, with a wide pyramidal crown. The bark is rough, smoky in color. The leaves are large, rounded heart-shaped, olive in color, with dark veins and a purple-gold "spray" on top. In autumn, the leaves take on a straw color. Representatives of this species bloom profusely, fragrant golden flowers. Linden grows quite quickly, prefers dry, drained soils. The tree loves sunlight, but can tolerate light partial shade.

To maintain the yellowing linden crown in a picturesque state, it is recommended to prune at least once every five years.

Felt (Silver) or Fluffy

Linden felt

Felt linden or fluffy linden is a stately tree up to 30 m high. The crown is of regular shape, wide pyramidal or oval. The silver linden has the main distinguishing feature: the leaves of the tree are rounded, up to 12 cm long, with sharp unevenly serrated edges, dark olive above, covered with a light fluff at the beginning of development, and white on the underside, covered with villi. In bright sunlight, the edges of the leaf curl up a little, showing a silvery underside, creating an original contrast of dark green and silver sheen. Closer to autumn, the leaves turn yellow and remain on the tree until winter.

European

Linden European

The European linden is a tree up to 40 meters high, the crown of which is a wide oval shape. The leaves are rounded, with a heart-shaped base. Representatives of this species grow quite quickly.

Caucasian

Linden Caucasian

Linden Caucasian - a tree up to 40 meters high, with a rounded or wide ovoid crown. Young shoots of Caucasian linden are purple-red. The leaves are large (up to 14 cm long), wide, oval. The upper side of the leaves is dark green, backside- dark gray, with tufts of whitish hairs near the veins. Drooping inflorescences with light yellow flowers. Flowering is plentiful.

https://youtu.be/JVlLpRyGVCA

large-leaved or flat-leaved

Large-leaved linden

Large-leaved linden (flat-leaved linden) is a tree up to 35 meters high and up to 20 meters wide. The crown of large-leaved linden is initially conical or wide, ovoid, later rounded. The main branches are vertical, side shoots horizontal. The broad-leaved linden has large leaves that bloom 14 days later than the small-leaved linden, but pleases with flowering two weeks earlier. The flowers are lemon-milky, collected in inflorescences of 2-5 pieces.

Manchu

Linden Manchurian

Linden Manchurian is a tree up to 20 meters high. The crown of the correct form, rounded. Representatives of this species are similar to specimens of the Amur linden, but differ in larger leaves and flowers. Flowering is beautiful, plentiful.

small-leaved (heart-shaped)

small-leaved linden

Small-leaved or heart-shaped linden (tilia cordata) is a tree up to 30 meters high and up to 15 meters wide. Small-leaved linden has synonymous names: lutoshka, bast, lubnyak. The crown of the tree is initially conical, later ovoid. The main branches grow diagonally or vertically, side shoots bend and hang down in the lower part of the crown.

The heart-shaped linden has green glossy, dark gray on the back side, leaves with a serrated edge. In autumn, the heart-leaved linden pleases the eye with beautiful light lemon leaves. The young branches of the representatives of the species are covered with satin bark, the old ones with deeply cracking bark of a smoky gray color. The flowers are fragrant, with bracts, light straw in color, collected in semi-umbels. The fruit is a nut with one seed. Blossoms in July, fruits ripen in October. One of the common varieties of this species, bred specifically for urban landscaping, is the variety of small-leaved linden Greenspire.

An advantageous feature of the Greenspire variety is that the representatives of the variety grow in height two times less than the species small-leaved linden. They have a more compact and dense crown, better tolerate low humidity and soil.

ordinary

Linden ordinary

Linden ordinary is an elegant tree up to 40 meters high, a natural hybrid of small-leaved linden and large-leaved linden. The crown of the tree is wide, shaped like a pyramid. Flowering time begins in July.

Siberian

Linden Siberian

Siberian linden is a tree up to 25 meters high. The bark of old trunks is dark, with cracks. Young shoots are dark purple or brown-amber, glabrous, with small rounded lenticels. The tree blooms in the second half of July, the duration of flowering is two weeks. Linden honey is light, almost white, with a delicate aroma of linden flowers, of excellent quality. Refers to the best varieties. It differs from others in late flowering and high winter hardiness.

Japanese

Linden Japanese

Japanese linden is a tree up to 20 meters high. It grows in East Asia, in broad-leaved subtropical forests. The young bark is smooth, brown, the old one is grooved, dark. The crown is high, compact, oval in shape. The leaves are small, 5-7 cm, oval, olive on the outside, gray on the inside, with hairs in the corners of the veins. Flowering occurs in July or August for 14 days. The flowers are tiny, in large numbers collected in drooping inflorescences. The fruits ripening by September are round, even, fluffy nuts. Representatives of this species grow rather slowly. The species is frost-resistant, is exclusively honey plant. Japanese linden tea has proven itself as a flavored green tea.

Care

Linden lives longer if you follow some rules for caring for it. Trees can suffer from drought, so regular and proper watering is very important in hot, dry summers.

After planting seedlings of the plant and during the first two years of their development and growth, nitrogen fertilizers must be applied to the soil.

The culture withstands shade, so it can be planted in secluded areas of the garden.

Trees thrive in fertile, well-drained soils, do not tolerate soils with accumulated harmful salts, and thrive best in lands with lime content (neutral to alkaline). The root system of the plant is sensitive to compaction.

Trees withstand frost, quickly adapt to changing climatic conditions. Trees are pruned a year after planting, in the spring, shortening by 1/3 to form side shoots, and in the fall, the overgrown linden is trimmed. Culture reaches full development only by 20-40 years.

Diseases and pests

The plant is quite resistant to diseases and pests. Unfavorable growing conditions can provoke diseases. Diseases most often affecting the tree: perforated and black spot (control methods: burning fallen fruits and leaves as sources of infection, treating shoots with 1% Bordeaux liquid), white rot (copper-containing preparations are used for control).

Pests that can harm a tree: bedbugs, scale insects, silkworms, gall mites, bark beetles, pipe beetles and others. To combat these pests, young plants are sprayed with insecticides. In addition to insects, birds and rodents can harm the culture.

Linden planting

The tree propagates both by seeds and vegetatively (layers, shoots, cuttings, grafting). For planting linden in hedges on the site, it is better to propagate it by layering.

Trees are planted in hedges in a line, wavy, checkerboard pattern. Saplings and seeds of the crop can be purchased at garden centers or ordered online.

from seedlings

Before planting, you should decide on the final place of growth, height and shape of the tree crown. Too dense planting inhibits their development, leads to the creation of an unfavorable microclimate with stagnant air, reduces the penetration of sunlight, and makes trees susceptible to the effects of diseases and pests. If you put the plant in water for a couple of hours before planting, it will better tolerate the lack of water during planting and the further growth process.

Before planting a seedling, the soil must be prepared in advance, fertilizing and hilling. It is necessary to check whether the soil is too moist, whether it is frozen. Linden is quite tolerant of slight damage to the root system, but, nevertheless, landing is done carefully.

First of all, for seedlings, they dig a planting hole with a depth of at least 50 cm. When digging landing pit take into account the volume of the root system, so that it is freely placed in the pit, and the lateral root branches do not break and are not pinched. It is recommended to remove the top fertile soil layer, set it aside separately from the main mass of the earth, so that at the end of digging in the planting pit, lay it in its original place. The bottom of the landing pit should be well loosened with a shovel or fork, then a layer of drainage is laid. It can be pebbles, rubble or broken bricks.

Add compost, which is mixed with drilling flour with superphosphate. Under no circumstances should fresh manure be introduced. Compost plays a significant role in nutrient metabolism in the garden and is one of the best and cheapest sources of humus.

Non-rotten waste is not suitable for compost: artificial materials different kind, rubber, metal objects or glass.

Suitable for compost: chopped grass stems, cut branches of trees, bushes, bark. Use kitchen waste: peel and trimmings of vegetables, fruits, coffee grounds, crushed eggshell. Over time, soils become depleted and, if additional organic or inorganic fertilizers are not applied, soil fertility will be greatly reduced.

In the process of planting plants, sometimes one has to deal with a situation where the roots are firmly fastened to the surrounding clod of earth. In such a situation, it is necessary to remove the dead or damaged parts of the roots by cutting them off smoothly from the main root system, shortening only such segments and branches that are too long and do not fit in the prepared pit. Before planting a lump on the roots of seedlings, it is necessary to water well. After that, a seedling is lowered into the pit, fall asleep soil mixture: sod land, humus, sand. The root neck of the seedling is placed at the level of the soil, it can be slightly lower. After planting, an irrigation circle is formed around the seedling with a mound 5 cm high. The bowl-shaped hole around the seedling is covered with rotted manure or covered with a mulch layer. This will protect the soil from excessive drying out and provide seedlings with nutrients. After planting, the plants are watered abundantly. After the earth settles, it is recommended to strengthen the tree with a supporting wooden stake.

seeds

Propagation of linden by seeds is a long process: from the moment of sowing to obtaining young tree may take up to 12 years. Before planting, the seeds of the tree are subjected to stratification (keeping in the cold). To do this, the seeds are poured into a box with wet sand or sawdust, put in a cold dark place for six months. Periodically, the contents of the box are moistened. The second method of stratification: seeds to a depth of 3 cm are placed in a mixture of peat and sand (1: 1). If the seeds are dried before planting, they most likely will not sprout. It is recommended to move them into the ground without cleaning them from the substrate in which they were located, so as not to damage them and preserve the formed microflora. In spring, seeds are sown in open ground, fertile and loose, the strongest of them will germinate.

To obtain seedlings that are guaranteed to take root in open ground, linden seedlings are grown indoors. Seeds are planted in rows, the distance between which should be about 15 - 20 cm. They are buried in the soil by about 1 cm and covered with a layer of earth, lightly tamping it, moistening it. Then the seed trays are covered with a plastic lid or film. With diffused lighting and air temperature of +18…+22°C, seedlings should be expected no earlier than after 14 days.

Plantings are watered regularly, trying to keep the soil slightly moist. The germination of linden seeds, unfortunately, is quite low. Plants appear slowly and not at the same time. Shelter made of film or glass during seed germination is periodically removed to remove the condensate formed on it. When a large number of sprouts appear, they begin to remove the shelter for a couple of hours a day, gradually increasing the time the sprouts stay without covering material. During the entire period of germination, it is important to maintain a constant air temperature of approximately +20 ... + 23 ° C, to allow a sufficient amount of diffused sunlight to penetrate to the plants.

Seedling care is timely watering and careful loosening of the soil. At first, it is necessary to avoid direct sunlight on seedlings - fever air and rapid evaporation of moisture will inevitably lead to the death of seedlings. After 2 - 3 weeks after the emergence of seedlings, they must be thinned out by removing weak specimens. So that the plants do not interfere with the further growth of each other, they are seated in separate containers, that is, they dive.

Linden seedlings do not tolerate transplantation well, so this procedure must be carried out subject to a number of conditions. Transplantation is done in soil of similar composition and together with a clod of moist earth to minimize the possibility of damage to the roots. It is best to use peat pots, in which it will be possible to plant seedlings in open ground in the future.

The end of spring or the beginning of summer is a favorable period for planting seedlings on the site, when warm weather finally sets in.

Linden is a rather unpretentious tree and can grow in almost any soil, but for young seedlings it is recommended to choose a more fertile piece of land. The lighting on it should be bright enough, but without direct sunlight at noon, which is especially important for the southern regions.

When growing seedlings, it must be remembered that linden loves moisture, it is advisable not to allow the soil to dry out for a long time. It is also necessary to regularly loosen the earth and remove weeds. Seedlings aged 1-2 years are transplanted to a permanent place, preferably in the autumn.

It is real bliss in the hot summer time to sit under an old tree, for example, under a linden tree, which covers branches with an abundance of leaves from the heat.

Linden has a huge number of valuable properties that are also used in traditional medicine.

This is beautiful tree spread everywhere. For urban residents, it is not at all a curiosity to see him. It has already become part of the landscape.

It has long been believed that the linden tree symbolizes the feminine. Therefore, our ancestors preferred to make the following items from wood: dishes, shoes, combs, shoes and other household items.

When this beautiful tree begins to bloom in the forest belt, the air there begins to radiate a most pleasant aroma. It has notes of honey, and a bee buzz is heard in the area.

Linden is also called the mother and nurse, the guardian of the Russian land. From time immemorial Slavic people she was especially revered. Even villages, forest belts and mountainous surfaces were named after her.

Even July in the Ukrainian language is referred to as "Lipen". Among the ancient peoples, linden has always been associated with the feminine: kindness, gentleness and tenderness. Many even revered her as a saint. It was believed that this tree can both cure and put on and dress a person. For many years, our ancestors made bast shoes from linden.

This tree got its name thanks to the sticky buds and linden leaves. Often they give enough a large number of viscous liquid. Sometimes it drips.

Linden is useful not only for people, but also for the forest as a whole. Even the fallen leaves of this tree contain a huge amount of calcium. This element is simply necessary for plants.

Thus, the leaves serve as fertilizers needed by many forest plants. In addition, they improve the condition of the soil.

If a linden grows close to a pine tree, then it develops better and grows faster than in a pine forest with its fellows.

Where does linden grow? So this useful tree can be found:

  • in Russia
  • in the Caucasus
  • In Bulgaria
  • in Italy
  • in Spain
  • in Norway
  • in Finland
  • in the countries of southern Britain
  • in Central Scandinavia

The wood is soft and light. Therefore, it is easy to process and make from it various items. Brinell hardness is less than 2. Thanks to these characteristics, many things can be made by hand.

Linden usually blooms when she is 20 years old, in some cases at 30. This tree is common in forests, parks, and city boulevards.

Linden is the only representative of Central Russian broad-leaved trees that grows further than the Urals. The tree's favorite environment is a warm place with high humidity.

Linden leaves are heart-shaped

This tree differs from others in its leaves. They have heart shape. The linden has reddish branches with buds. It is covered with soft bark.

In a forest environment, this tree can reach 30 meters. The leaves are rounded, finely toothed. The flowers are also special and fragrant:

  • yellowish color
  • smell of honey
  • connected in inflorescences

Seeds are not larger than a pea, small. The fruits look like roots located on stalks. Each of them has a wing. It is it that helps the seeds fly as far as possible from the tree in winter.

When the linden blossoms, it is covered with fragrant flowers. At this time, she looks most attractive. It happens in summer period year - in June or July.

Flowering lasts approximately 2 weeks. When it blooms, it is felt over long distances, because everything around smells of honey.

Medicinal properties

In folk medicine Linden is often used as a medicine. This is a fairly common tree. Many plantings in the Urals and Western Siberia.

Lipa is a long-liver among vegetation. Just imagine that she can please the human eye t a thousand years.

The oldest tree grows in Rum. This is a city in Slovenia. There is a linden that is almost 900 years old.

The city of Lipetsk also borrowed something from this handsome tree. It is even depicted on the coat of arms. A Finnish city called Mariehamn has a similar coat of arms. If you translate the name into Russian, you get "the city of a thousand limes."

This tree contains a huge amount useful substances , there are more than a hundred of them:

  • essential oils
  • vitamin A
  • vitamin C
  • vitamin PP
  • vitamin K
  • vitamin B
  • calcium
  • potassium
  • magnesium
  • iron
  • phosphorus

And that's not all. The chemical composition of the tree contains tannins, flavonoids, saponins, polysaccharides and bitterness.

Fruits and flowers are used for medicinal purposes. For example, in the fruits there is an oil of a fatty consistency, very similar to almond and peach.

The bark has various connections, they are involved in the synthesis of steroid hormones, cholesterol, bile acids. The leaves are rich in ascorbic acid, polysaccharides and carotene.

A decoction will help with a cold

To linden decoction or herbal infusion helped, it must be properly prepared. After all, the prepared mixture can help a person with ARVI. In addition, it can provide a range of actions. For example, you can use it as a tool:

  • antipyretic
  • anti-inflammatory
  • antibacterial

Also, a decoction of linden will help with poisoning of the body, with headaches and aching joints.

The infusion will help eliminate cough, even chronic. It thins phlegm, promoting expectoration from the respiratory system. In addition, the decoction is recommended for tuberculosis and bronchial diseases.

Rinsing helps with stomatitis and sore throat. Linden is a diuretic. It can have a beneficial effect in diseases of the urinary system - with cystitis and pyelonephritis, nephrolithiasis and gallstone colic, edema in pregnant women.

And that is not all. A decoction of linden helps with diseases of the digestive tract. It eliminates colic and spasms in the intestines, helps with bloating, and also treats gout, hemorrhoids and improves metabolism.

Linden thins the blood, is a general tonic, improves the body's immune system, helps with menopause and, in general, is able to rejuvenate the human body.

Baths from it will help with hysteria, depression, neuralgia and stress. If we talk about dermatological diseases, linden can help here too.

The tincture is able to relieve discomfort, such as pain and itching, relieve irritation and rashes on the skin, save from insect bites.

Even cosmetics use linden extract. For example, it is able to improve skin tone and reduce the number of wrinkles on the face.

Lime color: blank

To make a linden blank, you need to collect inflorescences with wings. It is better to do this in early July, when the flowers have already blossomed.

After that, lay them out thin layer on the paper. The room must be well ventilated. The sun's rays should not hit directly.

Inflorescences need to be turned over so that they dry as best as possible.

When this happens, it is best to place them in cloth or paper bags. It is better to store in a dry place, the temperature should be at room temperature. Drying cannot be stored for more than 2 years.

If you decide to make an infusion, use the following advice:

  • For internal use 1 tablespoon of inflorescences must be poured with 200 milliliters of boiling water. After that, let the resulting composition infuse for 30 minutes. Cover it with a towel on top.
  • After that, strain the tincture and squeeze. It is recommended to drink 3 glasses every day. This infusion will help with colds, to reduce body aches at elevated temperatures.
  • If you need to prepare an infusion that will be used for gargling, brew the inflorescences 1 to 2 and wait 20 minutes. After that, cool the broth and gargle with warm infusion at least 3 times a day. If there is a need to get rid of a sore throat, you can add soda to the resulting mixture.
  • The prepared infusion can be frozen and used as ice for rubbing the face. Perform this action every morning, and the result will not be long in coming.
  • Helps linden and for weight loss. With the help of this decoction, excess fluid is removed from the body, blood circulation and hormonal levels improve.

The broth is prepared a little differently. One tablespoon in a glass hot water it is necessary to cook for 10 minutes over low heat, then strain and drink warm 3 times a day.

A more concentrated solution is needed for wiping the skin or rinsing the hair. In this case, 6 tablespoons must be poured with a glass of boiling water, then wait 10 minutes.

4 tablespoons should be added if you need to apply a lotion to a wound or burn. Add half a liter of water and cook for 15 minutes. After the broth has cooled, you can make lotions to the sore spot.

Linden tea - tasty and healthy

If you want to have excellent health and prevent flu and colds, try brewing linden tea.

It can be drunk by both adults and children no more than once every 24 hours. 1 tablespoon of dried flowers should be poured with a glass of boiling water. Let it brew for half an hour.

For greater effectiveness and benefits, you can add a spoonful of honey. Such tea can be drunk with such ingredients:

  • mint
  • lemon balm
  • raspberries
  • strawberries

Drinking a cup of tea a day, you can strengthen the immune system and cheer up, make blood vessels stronger, normalize blood pressure, activate the intestines and cleanse the body of toxins.

However, there are some contraindications to linden treatment. For a greater and positive effect, you should not drink linden unnecessarily. A cup a day is enough.

You can drink tea for nursing mothers, and pregnant women, as well as babies and people with a sick heart. There are no special restrictions for this.

However, due to the fact that excess fluid is excreted from the body, a large load on the heart is created and potassium is washed out. Therefore, in no case should you exceed the daily dose.

  1. Description
  2. Linden species
  3. small-leaved
  4. large-leaved
  5. ordinary
  6. Manchu
  7. Caucasian
  8. European
  9. Silvery
  10. Reproduction and care
  11. Wood

The genus of deciduous trees tilia, or linden, has about 45 species. Most of them grow in temperate and subtropical climatic zones. The distribution area includes Europe, Southeast Asia, the Far East, the North American mainland. The linden family belongs to the relict ones that existed on the planet in the pre-glacial period.

Description

Depending on soil fertility and illumination, both large woody forms of linden plantations and small shrubs are found. In its natural environment, linden adapts to almost any habitat conditions, but prefers well-moistened nutrient soils. These species are characterized by frost resistance, the ability to tolerate wind and drought.

A characteristic feature of lindens is their low susceptibility to diseases and insect pests .

Many species are long-lived, the age of the trees is 300–400 years, and older specimens have been recorded - 1000 years old. Trunks large species can reach a length of more than 30 m, the trees begin to branch at a height of 1.5–2 m from the ground, by the age of 30 they usually become mature. The bark of young stands is brown or olive color, smooth. In mature trees, it is dark thick, dotted with deep cracks. The crown is oval ovoid, very dense. The root system is powerful and developed, penetrates deep into the soil.

The leaves of the linden are heart-shaped, wide and rounded at the base and pointed towards the ends, matte or dark green. These plants are excellent honey plants. In early June, fluffy yellowish flowers bloom on them, collected in inflorescences and secreting nectar. In autumn, in their place, linden fruits are formed - small nuts with seeds. The flowering period lasts about 2-3 weeks. At this time, the tree emits a specific pleasant aroma that attracts bees. Linden honey is considered by many to be the most useful and delicious. In addition, linden is a famous medicinal plant, since its flowers and buds have a pronounced anti-inflammatory and diaphoretic effect. This herbal raw material is part of the fees for the treatment of respiratory diseases and SARS.

Linden species

Lindens can grow singly, but most of the plantations are in forests. The "favorite" neighbors of these trees are ash, oak, pine, maple, spruce. In addition to mixed forests, lindens form large-scale pure plantations.

AT wild nature and cultural conditions, both pure and hybrid varieties of the tree are found.

small-leaved

Another name is heart-shaped linden, due to the shape of the leaves. This species perfectly tolerates adverse environmental conditions, including strong winds, drought and frost. The life span of a tree can reach 400 years or more. In the process of growth, its trunks stretch to a height of 25-30 m, the branches form a spreading crown, similar to a tent: the upper shoots are directed upwards, the middle ones are almost horizontal, and the lower ones look down. The leaves have a relatively small size - about 3-4 cm, heart-shaped and pointed apex. Top part their glossy and dark, the back is lighter, slightly rough to the touch. In June, the small-leaved linden is covered with fluffy panicles of inflorescences of 6–8 flowers; in August, small nuts with seeds inside ripen in their place.

This type of linden is distributed throughout Europe, including its Russian part, in the Caucasus, in Western Siberia.

large-leaved

This species is outwardly similar to the small-leaved, but it tolerates severe frosts worse, therefore it grows mainly in the southern regions of Europe and the Caucasus. Many large-leaved lindens are real giants and centenarians: they can grow up to 500 years of age. In cross section, their trunks reach 80–100 cm, and rise up to 40 m in height. The leaves, in accordance with the name of the tree, are large in size - up to 14 cm, edges with small teeth, slightly pubescent on the back. The crown has almost pyramidal shape. The inflorescences of this linden are much smaller than those of the small-leaved linden: 2–4 flowers each. The flowering period lasts 2 weeks from mid-June.

The large-leaved species prefers fertile soil, but the trees themselves improve its composition: the foliage that falls in autumn quickly fades, forming humus. This linden is often planted in gardens and parks, as it has high decorative qualities, forms a dense shade, and purifies the air.

ordinary

This is a hybrid species formed in the natural environment with the help of cross-pollination of large-leaved and small-leaved. According to the properties, the height of the trunk, the shape of the crown resembles relatives, it begins to bloom a few weeks earlier - at the end of May or in the first days of June. Inflorescences - as in a small-leaved variety, the leaves are dark green, smooth, covered with sweet juice when flowering, attracting bees. Common linden is a good honey plant. In addition, it is excellent for landscaping in urban areas: it withstands polluted air, dust, wind, frost, lack of sunlight, and is not sensitive to drought.

Manchu

In Russia, found in forests Far East, but, being planted in European regions, it takes root perfectly in them. It loves moist soils, is frost-resistant, tolerates shaded places well. The trunks of the Manchurian linden are often branched and relatively low - the maximum height is about 20 m, the crown is sprawling and dense. The leaves of this species are very large - 25–30 cm, pubescent, the inflorescences are also powerful, consisting of 10–12 flowers.

Caucasian

This species prefers a warm, humid climate and fertile soils, grows in the forests of the Caucasus, Crimea, and is also found in Asia Minor. The Caucasian linden lives up to 400 years, its trunks reach more than 1.5 m in diameter, and the trees stretch up to 35–40 m in height. Young shoots are reddish in color, darkening with age. The leaves are large - up to 15 cm, bright green in color, slightly pubescent, on the underside they have more light shade. The tree blooms in late June or early July, the inflorescences are large and fluffy, drooping down. The fruit is a nut about 1 cm in size with a seed inside.

European

The main habitat is mixed and deciduous forests of Western Europe. These trees live for 100-150 years, they look powerful: they reach 1.5-2 m in diameter, 40 m in height. The foliage is bright green, heart-shaped, its back part is rough. The crown is wide and dense, the bark of the tree is dark gray, in adults and old specimens it is covered with deep cracks.

Silvery

This linden has pronounced differences from other species. The color of its foliage is dark green, the back side is grayish-silver, covered with thick fluff. Thanks to this, the tree has a second name - felt. The leaves themselves are medium in size - about 7-8 cm, at the height of summer their edges are slightly wrapped inward, which is why the crown has a beautiful variegated silver-green hue. In autumn, the foliage does not turn yellow, but withers, remaining on the branches for a long time. The flowers are very small, yellowish.

Young shoots of felt linden are also pubescent, becoming smooth over time. The bark of the trees is gray, as the trunks mature, it darkens and coarsens.

The species is distributed in the Balkans, in Western Europe, the Crimea, the Caucasus.

Reproduction and care

Planting lime trees is a great way to create beautiful landscape, appropriate in the adjacent territories, in squares and parks. These trees improve the microclimate, fill the air with the pleasant aroma of flowers in summer, and when planted outside the city, they allow the collection and use of useful color.

It is possible to propagate trees by seeds, but it is very laborious and time consuming. Not all of them remain viable, and, given the long dormant period, seedlings can wait more than one year. It is much more rational to use layering or basal shoots of linden as planting material. To root the layering, the lateral lower shoots are inclined to the soil and fixed, lightly sprinkled with it. It will take 1-2 years to wait for the roots, then the branches just need to be released from the soil and separated from the tree. Do it at the end of March.

From the roots of the linden, new shoots make their way up quite often, one has only to carefully detach them from the mother plant. You can also purchase ready-made seedlings.

For planting, a mixture of soddy soil, humus and sand is preferable. Holes are dug in proportion to the size of the roots of the seedlings, so that their upper part is flush with the surface. Drainage is laid at the bottom broken brick or small stones. The distance between the pits when planting several trees is at least 3 m.

Care for young lindens requires careful care. In the first 2–3 years, weekly watering is necessary, top dressing at least once a month with nitrogenous fertilizers. For the winter, it is important to warm the seedlings with mulch made of sawdust or pine needles. Mature trees can not be watered, and they need to be fertilized 1-2 times a season.

Trimming branches to form a crown begins no earlier than the third year of life.

Wood

The massif is represented by equal-density sapwood of pale yellow or pinkish color. The texture is weakly expressed, the natural pattern is a bit like a birch. The gloss of the surface is soft, slightly matte.

The quality characteristics of linden wood are somewhat lower than those of pine or oak. The overall shrinkage factor is 0.58. During the pre-drying process, the wood almost does not warp or crack due to the uniform saturation with moisture. The density of dry lumber is about 450 kg/m³. The strength and resistance to mechanical stress in linden is small, similar to aspen wood. It is prone to swelling, does not hold nails and staples well, and is prone to rotting and fungal attack.

The advantages of linden are plasticity and ease of processing: the material bends perfectly, is cut, sawn, impregnated with coloring agents and stains, glued and polished.

Linden has long been used for the construction of barns, beehives, chests, chests, barrels for sauerkraut, vats for winemaking, and kitchen utensils: scoops, ladles, spoons, pots. Bast was especially valued: bast shoes were woven from young bast, mats were knitted.

Today, linden is used in furniture and turning production, toys, pencils, blanks for decoration are turned from it. Saunas and baths are sheathed with linden lining, shelves are made from boards. Due to its low thermal conductivity, this wood reduces the likelihood of burns when touched in a hot room.

Linden smells fragrant during flowering

Linden tea is one of the best drinks that nature itself can give us, taking care of our health. In Russia, linden has always been a favorite, it was even revered more than birch - the original Russian tree. From time immemorial, ancestors honored the tree, used its gifts with gratitude, and now the benefits of linden blossom have not diminished at all. Only here we are modern people we hardly notice how much nature around us can give us. But it is still observed good trend follow the knowledge of the origins, revive them, and they began to remember herbs and fruits again. Lime blossom should be in every home, because it has tremendous opportunities, the main thing is to collect it in time. But so that you do not miss the deadlines, we will tell you today when the linden blossoms.

It is interesting! Linden has a wonderfully soft bark, but in ancient times, scammers learned to make fake seals from it, for which an innocent tree suffered. We still call a fake a linden.

Timing of flowering and collection of lime blossom. Methodology

When the tree blossoms

AT different regions The climate is different, and therefore the dates will be different everywhere. Of course, in the south, the trees bloom early, which cannot be said about Siberia and the north. In the first case, this is the middle and end of June, in the second, this is the second half of July. And when the linden blossoms in the middle lane, you ask? And of course we will answer. In the middle lane of our large country - this is the third decade of June and the first decade of July.

The period when linden pleases with its color is short - only 10-15 days. Once having collected flowers in your region, you will already be on next year it is good to know when and where you will need to come to collect. But avoid industrial areas, roads, cemeteries, places where there are wastewater. Try to find old temples, they are in every city or in the suburbs. There, with a high probability, you will be able to find linden trees, since our ancestors planted them in places of power, such linden will be most useful and even healing for you.

But it is important to start stockpiling not in the first days when the linden blossoms, but also not at the end of this short period. Optimal time- this is when all the flowers or most of them have blossomed. If you see that the tree is already at the stage of completion of flowering, wilting, then it is better not to make stocks this year, since they will not be useful, medicinal properties in this color are minimal.

Collection Method

In fact, everything is simple:

  • find a tree that will be in the most favorable place. During flowering, there will be a subtle, sweet and very pleasant aroma floating in the air nearby. It is better to do this in advance;
  • if you find a linden before it blooms, you will be able to estimate the size, and whether it is possible to collect the color with your hands or you will have to use devices;
  • if the tree is tall, then buy a pruner, to which a handle or stalk can be attached, there is also a rope in the kit;
  • you know the linden flowering period, see that all the flowers open;
  • carefully cut the flowers along with the leaves;
  • inspect the linden at home, remove the one that is affected by insects, wilted;
  • rinse the color, let the water drain;
  • dry the flowers in the attic, under a canopy or in the oven at a temperature not exceeding 40 degrees;
  • flowers can be stored in glass jars.

Important! If you came to the forest during the flowering of the linden, then do not break its branches in order to cut off the color at home, do not saw, this was considered a sin by our ancestors, and the tree was always identified with the Mother of God.

This short article has opened for you important information about when you can collect the color, how much the linden blooms so as not to miss the workpiece, and how to do it correctly. Health to you!

All materials on the site are presented for informational purposes only. Before using any means, consultation with a doctor is MANDATORY!

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In Russia, the most common tree small-leaved linden, or heart-shaped. The trunk is slender, up to 30 m in height, with a spreading dense crown. The bark is dark, sometimes almost black, on young branches it is dark gray.

Leaves alternate on long cuttings, heart-shaped, with a pointed apex, smooth above, dark green, grayish green below, with tufts of brownish hairs in the corners of the veins, with paired pink stipules falling in spring.

Flowers are small, yellowish-white and creamy-yellow, collected in inflorescences of 5-15 pieces, with a light yellow or greenish-yellow bract oblong-lanceolate with a rounded top, the bract hangs down from the middle of the base of the inflorescence like a sail. Leaves open in May, flowering begins from late June to July and usually lasts about two weeks. At this time, the surrounding air is filled with a delicate honey aroma.

Linden fruits are rounded small single-seed nuts with leathery pericarp.
growing linden in deciduous and mixed forests, usually in the form of an admixture, in some places forms linden groves. Linden is considered one of the best in urban parks. ornamental trees.

Collection and drying

Linden blossom is harvested when most of flowers have blossomed, and the smaller one is still in buds. Inflorescences are cut off with hands along with bracts or small branches with abundant flowers are cut with secateurs. Then, in a shaded place, the flowers are cut off and dried in a well-ventilated room at a temperature not exceeding 25 ... 30 ° C. Drying in the sun is unacceptable, because under the influence of direct sunlight the flowers change color, the bracts turn red. Dried inflorescences consist of 5 ... 15 light yellow or yellow flowers; Open flowers should predominate, but buds and solitary immature fruits may occur. Bracts are light or yellow-green. The smell is fragrant, the taste is sweetish, slightly astringent. Lime blossom is packed in boxes and jars with tightly ground lids. Store in a dry place for up to 2 years.

Linden composition

Lime blossom is a valuable medicinal raw material, which contains sugars, essential oils (0.05%), tannins, glycosides hesperidin and tiliacin, vitamin C, carotene, saponins.

Application and beneficial properties of linden

Linden tea is one of the most common remedies for home treatment of colds: a tablespoon of linden flowers is brewed in a glass of boiling water, the infusion is kept under a napkin for 20 minutes before use. The infusion should be colored in golden color with pleasant taste and aroma. To sweat well, you need to drink at least two glasses, and even better, add an equal amount of dried raspberries to the lime blossom, which also contains a strong diaphoretic substance - salicylic acid.
Linden infusions help treat sore throats, relieve headache. Healers-herbalists give linden decoctions to children as an analgesic and sedative for mumps and measles, adults - for nervous diseases and convulsions. It is recommended to drink the decoction hot (a tablespoon of flowers in a glass of water, boil for 10 minutes). For more effective action, you can drink 2-3 cups of hot decoction before going to bed.
The inflorescences and stipules contain mucus. When brewed linden tea is infused and cooled, a gelatinous viscous mass is formed, which is used as a lotion to treat burns, ulcers, hemorrhoids, inflammation of the joints, gout and rheumatism. For the same purpose, young bark is used, the drags of which are especially rich in mucus.
Decoctions of linden leaves are taken to remove sand during cuts in the urethra. Compresses on the decoction relieve headaches.
Coal obtained by burning wood, due to its adsorption properties, is taken orally for dysentery, bloating and diarrhea (in some areas, by distilling water vapor from wood infusion, a disinfectant was obtained, which was sprayed into rooms where infectious patients lay).
Modern pharmacology suggests that linden inflorescences are due to a complex of biologically active substances. Herbal preparations in the form of infusions, decoctions lime blossom, in addition to diaphoretic action, increase the secretion of gastric juice and facilitate the flow of bile into the duodenum. In addition, linden inflorescences have a beneficial effect on the central nervous system, so their infusions are recommended to be taken as a sedative in case of increased nervous excitability. The extract from the inflorescences is used for mild digestive and metabolic disorders.
In pharmacies, lime blossom is sold in packs of 100 g and in the form of briquettes (a slice of a briquette is brewed in a glass of boiling water, boiled for 10 minutes, filtered and drunk like tea);
Young leaves can be used for food, which are added to spring mixed salads, increasing their vitamin content. During the war years, linden leaves were added to soups, mashed potatoes; crushing the leaves into powder, they mixed them with a small amount of flour and baked cakes from this mixture.
Fruit are raw materials for the production of fatty oil, which is distinguished by a light yellow color and a slightly pronounced smell of lime blossom. Linden oil is considered one of the best as a confectionery fat, and the cake left after pressing the oil is used for livestock feed.
In addition to small-leaved linden, large-leaved linden is widely cultivated in city gardens and parks.

Contraindications to the use of lime blossom and tea

Lime blossom decoctions should be drunk with short breaks and in reasonable quantities, otherwise vision may drop dramatically, and quite unexpectedly and quite quickly. But this does not mean that you can go blind if you drink linden tea every day. We are talking about a very long-term use, without measure and without interruption, which, in addition to weakening vision, can provoke insomnia, irritability, increased pressure, pain in the heart area. We drank tea for several days, one cup each, take a break for a week - and everything will be fine.

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