American Linden is a tree, a long-term addition to the landscape. It's hardy across USDA zones 2 through 8. Its late spring flowers are a real draw for honeybees and native bees. It roots deep, which helps it reach moisture in a dry spell and open up tight soil as it establishes.
Zones
2-8
pH Range
6-8
Sun
Full Sun
Days to Maturity
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Score American Linden on your exact land.
Zone averages can't see the slope, soil, frost, and sun that decide whether american linden actually takes — and those shift from one yard to the next. Enter your address and we'll score american linden against your land's real conditions.
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What American Linden is
American Linden grows as a perennial and reaches around 80 feet at maturity. It blooms yellow in late spring.
How to grow American Linden
American Linden grows in USDA zones 2 through 8. American Linden does best in full sun — at least 6 hours of direct sun a day — and soil from pH 6 to 8, on well-drained ground. It needs about 500 hours of winter chill, which is why climate matters as much as soil.
USDA Zones
2-8
USDA PHZM 2023
Soil pH
6 - 8
USDA PLANTS Database
Sun
Full Sun
plant_species_v5.csv
Drainage
well (dry spells)
plant_species_v5.csv
Frost Tolerance
41°F
plant_species_v5.csv
Mature Height
80 ft
plant_species_v5.csv
Chill Hours
500+
plant_species_v5.csv
Frost-Free Days
0+
plant_species_v5.csv
Plant it right
Set american linden in full sun with well-drained soil. Many fruit trees need a second variety nearby to pollinate — check before you plant just one.
Match the soil
American Linden prefers pH 6 to 8 (USDA PLANTS Database). A quick soil test from your local Extension lab tells you whether to add lime or sulfur to land in band.
Water steadily
Keep the root zone evenly moist through establishment. A 2–3 inch mulch layer holds moisture without waterlogging.
Be patient, then harvest
Prune annually while the tree establishes; fruit trees reward patience with years of harvest. Local Extension guides publish per-cultivar bearing-age tables.
Good to know
Good news for pet owners — american linden isn't known to be toxic to dogs or cats. (Source: ASPCA.)
American Linden is a standout pollinator plant — high value to bees and other pollinators. (Source: Xerces Society, Pollinator Partnership.)
Where American Linden thrives
American Linden is hardy across USDA zones 2 through 8. Zone is only the starting point, though: the soil pH, drainage, and frost dates on your specific land decide how well it actually does.
Zones 2–8·Where American Linden growsOpen map →
Continental US shown — Alaska and US Pacific territories sit outside the federal map's polygon dataset.
On USDA hardiness-zone overlap, American Linden can grow in these states:
See if American Linden will thrive on your land
Zone averages are a start. Your exact soil pH, drainage, sun exposure, and frost dates shape whether american linden actually takes — we score it against the real conditions at your address.
Three things about your exact spot that zone averages miss:
We read public map data for this spot — soil, climate, flood, and parcel records. How we handle your address.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grow American Linden in my zone?
American Linden grows in USDA hardiness zones 2 through 8 (USDA PHZM 2023). Zone is one factor — soil pH, drainage, and frost dates on your specific parcel also shape whether it takes.
When should you plant American Linden?
Set american linden out in early spring or fall while it's dormant, so the roots establish before the heat of summer. Your local last-frost date — which a Growable Ground report pulls for your exact address — sets the precise window.
How much sun does American Linden need?
American Linden needs full sun — a spot that catches at least 6 hours of direct summer sun a day. In more shade it still grows, but usually gives a smaller, later crop. The catch is that a yard rarely gets even light everywhere — a fence, the house, or one tall tree can quietly take those hours. A Growable Ground report reads the real sun-hours across your land, canopy and buildings included, so you can pick the brightest bed before you plant.
What soil does American Linden need?
American Linden prefers soil pH 6 to 8, on well-drained ground (USDA PLANTS Database). Your report scores your parcel's actual soil against that using USDA SSURGO data.
Does American Linden attract pollinators?
Yes — american linden's flowers are a strong nectar and pollen source for honeybees and native bees (Xerces Society, Pollinator Partnership).
Is American Linden safe for pets?
American Linden is not known to be toxic to dogs or cats based on available data (ASPCA). Always supervise pets around new plantings.