Fast-Growing Shade Tree with Ornamental Features The American Linden is a large, fast-growing shade tree.  It will be a happy addition to your yard with its tall, stately presence.  As a hardy shade tree, you’ll also enjoy its cooling proximity during those hot summer months. It grows to 45 feet in height with a spread of 25 to 30 feet, substantial enough for a large landscape, but not too big for a more diminutive yard.   Its superior use as a shade tree is clear not only in its stature but also in the large, heart shaped leaves that give a full effect to its spreading branches.  An added benefit to the American Sentry Linden is its resistance to Japanese Beetles.    Beyond its shade and strength, your Linden tree will also provide some added color to your landscape.  You’ll soon come to associate spring with the clusters of aromatic yellow flowers that grace its branches. As summer progresses you’ll enjoy watching woody, pea-sized seeds form.  Their light green shade provides a slight variation in color throughout your tree for the late summer. When autumn appears, your Linden’s leaves will take a dramatic step as green leaves transform to brilliant yellow, sure to be seen from miles around.   The American Linden, also called the Basswood tree, starts out pyramidal in shape but becomes rounded at maturity.  Its benefits go far beyond its ornamental features.  The wood is valued for its light but strong nature and is suitable for a wide variety of uses. Parts of the tree have medicinal uses, and some consider the honey from Linden flowers to be some of the best available.   The American Linden tree is an excellent choice for almost any yard, and would certainly be a strong and useful sentinel next to your house for years to come.   * Hardy shade tree* Resistant to Japanese Beetles* Spring and fall color * Wildlife appeal .