Habitat:
This species has a deep, wide-spreading root system and, although it
prefers deep, moist, fertile soil, it will grow on drier, gravelly
soils. In Iowa it is found on sheltered, north- and east-facing slopes of
stream valleys, often becoming the dominant species in moist, upland woods.
The basswood tolerates shade, especially when young, is pH tolerant and
is not particularly tolerant of air pollution.
Diseases: Lindens are usually pest- and disease-free but borers, scale, linden mites, leaf-eating insects and some minor leaf spots may be problematic. The thin bark of young trees makes them susceptible to sunscald, mower injury and frost-cracking.
Distribution: The basswood is native from Canada to North Carolina, west to Oklahoma, Kansas and North Dakota. The only native linden in Iowa, it occurs throughout the state.
