Family: Malvaceae
Author: Moench
Bibliography: Verz. Ausländ. Bäume: 136 (1785)
Year: 1785
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Tilia
Vegetable: False
Observations: EC. & SE. Europe to Türkiye
Description
The Hungarian silver linden, scientifically known as Tilia tomentosa, is a majestic tree that is native to Eastern and Southeastern Europe, extending its natural habitat into Türkiye. Often admired for its aesthetic appeal and ecological benefits, this species is a member of the Malvaceae family, which includes a variety of economically and ecologically significant plants.
Characterized by its robust structure, the Hungarian silver linden can reach impressive heights, creating a prominent presence in any landscape. Its leaves are distinctively large, with a silvery-white underside that gives the tree its common name. This unique feature not only adds to the tree’s ornamental value but also plays a role in its adaptive strategies, reflecting sunlight and contributing to its drought resistance.
Flowering in the early summer, the Hungarian silver linden produces clusters of small, fragrant yellowish-white flowers. These blooms are not only attractive but also highly valued for their nectar, which is a significant food source for bees and other pollinators. The resulting honey is often praised for its exceptional quality, making the tree a favorite among apiarists.
Historically, the wood of Tilia tomentosa has been utilized in various applications, including the carving of intricate instruments and furniture due to its fine grain and workability. Beyond its economic uses, the tree has also held cultural significance in various regions, symbolizing peace, fertility, and community.
This species is relatively hardy and adaptable, capable of thriving in a variety of soil types and urban environments. It is commonly planted in parks and along streets, where it provides ample shade and enhances the urban canopy.
Tilia tomentosa was first documented in 1785 by Friedrich Moench in “Verz. Ausländ. Bäume,” a comprehensive catalog that detailed many foreign trees known at the time. Since then, the Hungarian silver linden has continued to be a subject of botanical interest, valued for its ecological, economic, and cultural contributions.
In conclusion, the Hungarian silver linden is a remarkable tree that offers a blend of beauty, utility, and ecological benefits. Its silvery foliage and fragrant flowers enhance its ornamental appeal, while its hardy nature ensures its place in both natural and urban landscapes.
Common Names
Eng: hungarian silver linden, silver lime, silver linden, white linden
Deu: silber-linde, silberlinde
Fra: tilleul argenté, tilleul de hongrie
Dan: ungarsk sølvlind
Ces: lipa striebristá, lípa stříbrná
Swe: silverlind
Nld: zilverlinde
Nno: sølvlind
Nob: sølvlind
Por: tília prateada
En: Hungarian silver linden, Silver lime, Silver linden, Silver leaved lime, White linden, White Lime
Ar: زيزفون لبدي
Az: Gümüşü cökə
Eu: Ezki ilauntsu
Be: Ліпа лямцавая
Bg: Сребролистна липа
Ca: Tell argentat
Zh: 銀毛椴, 银毛椴
Hr: Srebrnolisna lipa
Cs: Lípa stříbrná, Lipa striebristá
Da: Sølv-Lind, Ungarsk sølvlind
Nl: Zilverlinde
Et: Hõbepärn
Fi: Hopealehmus
Fr: Tilleul argenté, Tilleul de Hongrie
Gl: Tileiro prateado
De: Silberlinde, Silber-Linde, Ungarische Silber Linde
El: Φλαμουριά
Hu: Ezüst hárs
It: Tiglio tomentoso, Tiglio argentato
Lt: Sidabrinė liepa
Mk: Сребрена липа
No: Sølvlind
Nb: Sølvlind
Nn: Sølvlind
Pl: Lipa srebrzysta
Pt: Tília prateada
Ro: Tei argintiu
Ru: Липа пушистая
Sr: Сребрна липа
Sk: Lipa striebristá
Es: Tilo plateado
Sv: Silverlind
Zh-tw: 銀毛椴
Zh-hant: 銀毛椴
Tr: Gümüşi ıhlamur
Uk: Липа повстиста
Synonyms
- Tilia communis var. argentea ((DC.) K.F.Schimp. & Spenn.)
- Tilia tomentosa var. inaequalis (Simonk.)
- Tilia tomentosa f. pendula (Schelle)
- Tilia tomentosa var. obliqua (Thüm.)
- Tilia alba (Aiton)
- Tilia pannonica (J.Jacq. ex Bayer)
- Tilia tomentosa var. pannonica (Borbás)
- Tilia argentea f. subglobularis (J.Wagner ex Vöröss)
- Tilia pseudolongirostris (J.Wagner ex Vöröss)
- Tilia alba var. petiolaris ((DC.) Loudon)
- Tilia peduncularis (Delile ex Bayer)
- Tilia petiolaris (DC.)
- Tilia tomentosa subsp. petiolaris ((DC.) Soó)
- Lindnera alba (Fuss)
- Tilia gigantea (Dippel)
- Tilia glauca (Schwein. ex Bayer)
- Tilia rotundifolia (Vent.)
Distribution
- Albania (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- East Aegean Is. (native)
- Greece (native)
- Hungary (native)
- Lebanon-Syria (native)
- Romania (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Turkey-in-Europe (native)
- Ukraine (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
- Austria (introduced)
- Czechoslovakia (introduced)
- Spain (introduced)
- Uzbekistan (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Leaf
Taken Jun 9, 2022 by Shafiga Hüseynli (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 10, 2022 by vazken surmenian (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 14, 2022 by Nathalie Potel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 18, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 23, 2021 by Jocelyne Libert (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jul 18, 2022 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 25, 2021 by Willem Defieuw (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 22, 2021 by tomas navazo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 18, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 25, 2022 by Deborah Twardzik (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jun 4, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 18, 2020 by Gautier Buzançais (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 25, 2021 by Andrea Arceci (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 18, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 14, 2022 by Nathalie Potel (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jun 14, 2021 by Pricia (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 26, 2021 by Emmanuel P (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 18, 2020 by alba (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 14, 2022 by Nathalie Potel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 2, 2021 by Saskia De Clippeleer (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Apr 23, 2021 by Prieta Javier (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 18, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 28, 2021 by Jorge Alcauza (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 18, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 14, 2022 by Nathalie Potel (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Aug 16, 2022 by brio_blu (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 21, 2022 by Ingrid Hundhammer (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 2, 2020 by Nicolato Marilena (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 14, 2021 by Pricia (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 26, 2018 by Julian Diaz (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/4259350)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:835608-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Tilia tomentosa Moench)
Specifications
Growth habit: Tree
Growth
Ph maximum: 6.5
Ph minimum: 5.5
Light: 8
Atmospheric humidity: 6
Soil nutriments: 5