Small Leaf Lime
Tilia Cordata
Small-leaved Lime (Tilia Cordata) is a graceful British native tree ideal for avenue planting and providing excellent shade. It features dark green, glossy leaves, sweetly scented summer flowers, and smooth, hairless fruits. Despite its name, it has no link to citrus—the word lime comes from the German Linde. Its strong, stable timber is still used for piano and organ parts as it does not warp. Reaching an eventual height of around 18 metres, Tilia Cordata is a timeless choice for beauty, durability, and wildlife value.
Features
Mature Height
Soil Types
Lighting
Full Description
The Small-leaved Lime, or Tilia Cordata, is a distinguished and versatile British native tree, admired for its beauty, longevity, and usefulness. Ideal for avenue planting and providing excellent shade, this graceful deciduous tree develops a broad, rounded crown with gently arching branches that often sweep downwards, creating a soft and elegant silhouette in any landscape.
The dark green, heart-shaped leaves are glossy and vibrant throughout summer, turning a delicate golden yellow in autumn. In July, clusters of scented greenish-yellow flowers appear, filling the air with a sweet fragrance that attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The fruit of the Small-leaved Lime is unique among limes—smooth, without ribs or hairs—adding to its distinctive charm.
Despite its name, the Small-leaved Lime has nothing in common with citrus fruit. The name lime comes from the German word Linde, meaning lime tree. Tilia Cordata has long been prized for its fine, stable timber, which does not warp, making it a traditional choice for sounding boards and keys of pianos and organs.
This hardy and adaptable tree thrives in moist, well-drained soils and tolerates urban conditions remarkably well. It prefers full sun or partial shade, requires minimal maintenance, and rewards with beauty and shade for generations. With an eventual height of around 18 metres, the Small-leaved Lime is an excellent choice for those seeking a classic, long-lived tree that enhances both landscape and wildlife.
Timeless, graceful, and deeply rooted in Britain’s natural heritage, the Small-leaved Lime (Tilia Cordata) remains one of the finest choices for avenue planting, large gardens, and parkland settings.
Delivery
Within 24 hours of placing your order, we will contact you to confirm an exact delivery date. Most orders are delivered within 5 working days. Your plants will be freshly lifted and packaged the day before dispatch to ensure they arrive in the best possible condition.
If you have a preferred delivery date please use the comments box and we will try our best to accommodate this (not available at weekends).
Although items can remain in their packaging for 7–10 days if kept frost-free, we recommend planting bareroot trees as soon as possible after delivery.
We use a courier service, and a signature is required on delivery unless you specify a safe place in the comments box when placing your order.
Small Orders (UK Mainland Only)
Orders of 1–15 plants in size 40/60cm can often be sent via Royal Mail for £8.90.
Please note: Your basket will initially show a delivery charge of £15.75 + VAT, but if you request Royal Mail delivery in the comments box, we will adjust the payment for you once we receive the order.
England and Wales Standard Delivery Charges
| Order Total | Delivery Cost |
| £0 – £75.99 | £15.75 + VAT |
| £76 – £200.99 | £23.10 + VAT |
| £201 – £300.99 | £31.50 + VAT |
| £301 – £500.99 | £42.00 + VAT |
| £501 – £1000.99 | £47.25 + VAT |
| £1001+ | £52.50 + VAT |
Mainland Scotland Standard Delivery Charges
| Order Total | Delivery Cost |
| £0 – £75.99 | £21.00 + VAT |
| £76 – £150.99 | £29.82 + VAT |
| £151 – £300.99 | £39.90 + VAT |
| £301 – £500.99 | £52.50 + VAT |
| £501 – £1000.99 | £58.80 + VAT |
| £1001+ | £65.10 + VAT |
Click and Collect
Click and collect available free of charge from: Tree Shop Ltd., Harts Barn, Monmouth Road, Longhope, GL17 0QD, UK
