American basswood

About American basswood

American basswood is a real treasure for your yard. This native tree gives hungry bees exactly what they need with its fragrant, pale yellow flowers that bloom in early summer. Birds love the seeds that follow, and lots of other wildlife depend on this tree for shelter and food. It grows into a tall, graceful shade tree with soft green leaves that smell sweet when you brush past them. The whole neighborhood benefits when you plant one.

Growing basswood is straightforward. It likes a spot with full sun or part shade and moist soil, though it adapts well once established. Plant it in spring or fall, water it regularly the first couple of years, and then let it do its thing. This is a tough, long-lived tree that actually improves with age. You'll be giving a gift to your garden that keeps on giving, year after year.