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| Leaf Photo by: Paul Wray |
Bark Photo by: Vern Wilkins |
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| Fruit Photo by: Steven J. Baskauf |
Tree Photo by: Rob Routledge |
Bees love basswood flowers because they bloom in midsummer, when few other trees are in bloom.
Basswood is a common southern Ontario tree, ranging into central Ontario as far north as Lake Nipissing and Sault Ste. Marie, but also in the northwestern corner near the Ontario-Minnesota border.
Basswood has large, heart-shaped leaves with toothed edges and a short point. The twigs have a noticeable zigzag appearance. The fragrant yellow flowers and round grayish-brown fruit hang from the centre of a leaf-like bract. When released, the bract acts like a helicopter wing and carries the seeds away in a breeze. The bark is gray-brown with long narrow ridges.
This tree can be found often growing in large-trunked, multi-stemmed trunks along fencerows, or as single-stemmed trees within the deciduous forest. It is valued for its light, easily worked wood.
Size: Up to 35 m tall
Moisture: Prefers moist soils
Shade: Can grow in full shade or full sun
Soil: Prefers rich, well-drained soils
Planting Tip: It is common to rake up all the leaves in the yard in fall, but many species, including basswood have very nutrient-rich leaves. Mulching leaves with a lawnmower can help your lawn, your trees and save money on fertilizer. More tips...
