The linden tree (Tilia spp.) belongs to the Tiliaceae family and is a broad-leaved deciduous tree species that typically thrives in temperate and subtropical climates. There are approximately 30 species worldwide, predominantly found in Europe, Asia, and North America. In Turkey, four main species grow naturally【1】 :
- Tilia tomentosa Moench (Silver linden)
- Tilia platyphyllos Scop. (Large-leaved linden)
- Tilia cordata Mill. (Small-leaved linden)
- Tilia rubra subsp. caucasica (Rupr.) V. Engl. (Caucasian linden)
Linden trees can grow between 15 and 40 meters and have a long lifespan. Their leaves are heart-shaped, serrated at the edges, and have a hairy underside. The flowers, which bloom in June and July, are yellowish-white and have a pleasant fragrance. The flowers and leaves are widely used for medicinal and food purposes, particularly as an herbal tea.【2】
Ecological and Biological Characteristics
Linden trees are well-adapted to temperate climates, thriving in deep and moist soils. They are commonly found in riverbanks, mixed forests, and urban landscapes.
In Turkey, linden species naturally occur in the Black Sea and Marmara regions, while in the Mediterranean and Aegean regions, they are primarily grown in parks and gardens. Among them, Tilia tomentosa is one of the most widespread species and is naturally distributed in Karabük, Dilek Peninsula, and Hatay.【3】
Linden trees exhibit a certain level of tolerance to air pollution and can absorb heavy metals from the atmosphere due to their large leaf surface area. Because of this feature, they are recommended for use as biomonitors. In particular, Tilia tomentosa has been studied for its ability to assess traffic-related heavy metal pollution. 【4】
Uses
Linden flowers (Flos tiliae) are widely known for their use as an herbal remedy for colds, coughs, and respiratory illnesses. When consumed as a tea, they are believed to have expectorant, diaphoretic, and calming effects【5】
Medical research has indicated that linden flowers possess antioxidant properties and may have hepatoprotective (liver-protective) effects. Methanol extract analyses have shown that tiliroside and flavonol glycosides contained in the flowers may help prevent certain types of liver damage.
Linden Flower (Photo: Aziz Hasan AY)
However, environmental contamination has been detected in some linden teas. Studies emphasize the need to analyze lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) levels, particularly in linden flowers collected from roadside trees.【6】
Wood and Industrial Uses
Linden wood is soft, lightweight, and easy to process. Due to these properties, it is used in:
- Furniture production
- Wood carving and handicrafts
- Musical instrument making (pianos, harps)
- Paper and matchstick manufacturing
- Beehive production
The density of linden wood is 489.46 kg/m³, and it has a high capacity for holding nails and screws, making it a preferred material in woodworking.【7】
Use in Animal Husbandry
In the Eastern Black Sea region, linden leaves are used as forage for cattle. The crude protein content of the leaves ranges between 13.52% and 23.82%, and they are rich in calcium and potassium. However, due to an imbalanced Ca/P ratio, additional phosphorus supplementation in feed rations is recommended【26】.
Environmental Impact and Conservation
Linden trees play an important role in monitoring environmental pollution. Tilia tomentosa has been identified as a suitable species for biomonitoring heavy metal accumulation from traffic pollution. A study conducted in Ankara found that linden leaves accumulated Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, and Mn.【8】
Linden forests are considered valuable resources for forest products and the medicinal plant sector. However, factors such as:
- Urbanization and deforestation
- Environmental pollution
- Overharvesting and unregulated collection
are leading to the reduction of natural linden populations.
In Karabük, a project has been initiated to establish linden flower gardens, and plans for sustainable flower production, irrigation, pruning, and fertilization techniques are being implemented.【9】
