Wood: The
common name refers to the use Native Americans made of the tough, fibrous
inner bark, or "bast." The pioneers called the tree "bastwood,"
and later "basswood." The bark was soaked in water, allowing the
non-fibrous portions to rot, then twisted into ropes, cords and thongs.
It is a major timber tree in the Great Lakes states. The wood is pale, light,
soft and easily worked. It is a favorite wood for carving and is also used
for boxes, crates, barrels, venetian blinds, veneer, musical instruments,
yardsticks and inner parts of furniture. Because it is cheap and abundant,
it is a source of paper pulp. The wood imparts no flavor and is used in
the apiary industry for honey combs and other supplies.
Wildlife: The fragrant flowers attract bees and the nectar provides a distinctively-flavored honey. Old hollow trees provide shelter for bees and other animals. The seeds are less important to wildlife than those of many other native trees, but are eaten by quail, squirrels and rodents. Rabbits are the most serious animal pest, cropping the young trees as they emerge from suckers, and deer feed on the twigs and foliage.
Horticulture: Large size limits the use of this species in the landscape, although it is a fast-grower and a good shade tree. This species is perhaps best left in its natural setting or used only in large areas like parks and golf courses. Decaying leaves of the basswood release quantities of nitrogen, calcium, phosphorus and potassium, making this an important soil-improver in the forest. Cultivars include 'Redmond,' a dense, pyramidal form with large leaves, but slow to establish; and 'Rosehill,' a fast-grower with an open crown. In Iowa, various European species are planted as ornamentals. The little-leaf linden (T. cordata), though it grows slower, is smaller and more desirable as an ornamental than the basswood.
