American Basswood vs Littleleaf Linden
This guide is under construction and has not been published yet. It may have errors. When in doubt, double-check other sources for definitive ID.These species are sometimes confused as they have many similar characteristics, including leaf shape. They are usually easily distinguished by leaf size.
American Basswood (Tilia americana) | Littleleaf Linden (Tilia cordata) |
A large deciduous tree native to the eastern and midwestern U.S. | |
 Much larger leaves (7-20cm long) with more (usually 9-11) side-veins per leaf. Photo © Blake Bringhurst, CC BY 4.0. |  Much smaller leaves (3-9 cm long) with fewer (5-7) side-veins per leaf. Photo © Nate Martineau, CC BY 4.0. |
 Cotyledons (first leaf-like structures originating as part of the seed) of seedlings usually 5-lobed. Lobes longer, narrower. 2nd and 4th lobes usually shorter than middle and edge lobes. Photo © Mary Krieger, CC BY 4.0. |  Cotyledons of seedlings usually 7-lobed. Lobes usually shorter and stouter. Two lobes closest to the edge are usually the smallest. Photo © lotteryd, Public Domain. |
 Photo © er-birds, CC BY 4.0. |
References & External Resources
These short lists show only links helpful for ID. For a complete list of references and resources also covering other aspects of ecology, visit the links section of the full article on each plant, which is the first entry here.
