Silver lime and Small-leaved lime are often considered for the same spot in the garden (shade, specimen, pollinator friendly). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Tilia tomentosa 7 m × 4 m after 10 years
Silver lime is a large shade tree with a regular crown; its leaves are dark green above and felted silvery white beneath, so the canopy shimmers in…
Tilia cordata 8 m × 6 m after 10 years
A long-lived native shade tree with heart-shaped leaves that grows large. Its strongly scented flowers open in late June and early July and are…
Small-leaved lime is hardier: down to -34 °C, against -29 °C for Silver lime.
Silver lime tolerates drought better than Small-leaved lime.
Silver lime needs less water than Small-leaved lime.
Silver lime needs less care than Small-leaved lime.
Small-leaved lime is cheaper: about €2.20 at the size usually planted, against about €280 for Silver lime.
|
Feature
|
Silver lime
|
Small-leaved lime
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Large tree | Large tree |
| Size after 10 years | 7 m × 4 m | 8 m × 6 m |
| Ultimate size | 15–25 m × 9–20 m | 15–30 m × 10–15 m |
| Growth rate | Medium | Medium |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade | Full sun, Part shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous |
| Hardiness | down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) | down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Deciduous | Deciduous |
| Flowering | June–July, yellow, white | June–July, yellow, white |
| Water need | Low | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | High | Medium |
| Maintenance | Low | Medium |
| Planting distance | 1000 cm | 1000 cm |
| For dogs | Non-toxic (uncertain) | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| For cats | Non-toxic (uncertain) | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| For children | Non-toxic (uncertain) | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| Typical price | approx. €280 | approx. €2.20 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 8, 2026
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