Origin:
The Amur linden tree originally comes from the area of the same name around the Amur River between Russia and China. However, it is very adaptable and over many centuries has conquered numerous areas in Korea and Siberia, where it is found in the numerous mixed forests.
Biology:
Linden trees are known for hybridizing extremely quickly. In plain language, this means that completely new varieties develop from the individual lime tree species that occur next to each other. The Amur linden tree is very closely related to the domestic winter linden tree. There are also closer relationships with the Japanese linden tree and the Mongolian linden tree. The Amur linden tree differs from the winter linden tree in that it has scaly bark. Over time this becomes really coarse, rough and gray. The leaves are smaller than those of the winter linden tree. They are light green in color and are also heart-shaped, but not with a smooth edge. The leaves of the Amur linden tree have a strongly serrated edge and a strongly developed tip. Overall, a very attractive foliage! Like all other lime trees, the foliage turns a bright yellow over the autumn months. The young branches and shoots initially have white hairs before they become yellow-green and bare. This is again a unique selling point from the other linden trees. The yellow and fragrant flowers appear in June and last until the end of July. They develop the same high nectar and pollen content as the winter linden tree and are therefore one of the most important bee pastures. The typical spherical nut fruits of Tilia amurensis appear in late summer. These nuts are popular with many songbirds and rodents. Tilia amurensis is a climate change shrub with a heart-shaped and deep root. The roots are anchored so firmly that the Amur linden tree is one of the most storm-proof trees.
Growth:
Tilia amurensis grows slower than other linden trees. It doesn't grow as tall or as wide as our native lime trees. The height ends between 15 and 20 meters. The width is between 5 and 15 meters, depending on how closely the individual trees are planted. The crown is initially spherical. As you get older, this changes to a wide cone shape. The individual branches grow very dense and bushy, creating opaque canopies. Tilia amurensis is therefore often used as a privacy and windbreak. The trunks remain shorter and slimmer than those of the winter linden tree. So if you have little space available or want to green up narrow streets, this climate change tree is the right choice for you!
Use as a street tree, garden tree and forest plant:
The Amur linden tree is still unknown in Europe and, incomprehensibly, receives little attention. It is absolutely heat tolerant and can also tolerate extreme drought. In addition, this climate change tree is extremely frost hardy! In addition, Tilia amurensis is completely compatible with cutting and can be shaped as desired. This little-noticed lime tree is almost perfect as a street tree. Much better than the winter linden tree or the summer linden tree. Who doesn't want to have a linden tree in their garden? A wonderful shade tree. It provides shelter for bees, birds and rodents and provides shelter for countless insects. This is a true biological oasis! The Amur linden tree loves to be in close company. It is also shade-tolerant and can therefore cope very well with closed umbrellas. It grows particularly well in combination with the common beech, as these trees have the same properties on the ground. With the exception that the Amur linden tree copes much better with heat and drought. In any case, pay attention to humus-rich, nutrient-rich and permeable soil that is neutral to alkaline. This is where the Amur linden tree develops best.
Wood:
I actually couldn't find anything about the wood properties of this lime tree in particular. Not even on American or Asian websites. It is clear that the wood is used in many different ways. Unfortunately, lime wood is no longer particularly popular because it is soft and brittle. It can be used excellently for carving work. But it's of little use for anything else. It's very easy. It is also often used in model making. The wood could also be chipped and used as blown-in insulation, because the wood has coarse pores and therefore contains many air pores. The real value for the forest lies in being a particularly good bee tree, providing protection from storms, increasing biodiversity and sustainably improving the soil through the positive and quickly perishable layer of leaves!
Future/summary:
I sowed the seeds three years ago. Now I have received beautiful and strong young plants. I am more than happy that I tried this type of plant. No matter what heat wave, no matter how severe the late frosts are. This linden tree has endured everything so far. No pests, no fungi, no other damage. With all due respect to the bluebell tree (Kiri tree). But if I have this linden tree as an alternative, then I would always choose the Amur linden tree! It is much less complicated and also much more frost-proof. It doesn't break down in the wind and can handle any terrain. For me, a criminally neglected tree. A very clear tree of the future and one of the most important climate change trees for the future. Clearly thumbs up!
