What soil does American lime grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, calcareous.

Is American lime hardy?

Hardy down to -40 °C (USDA zone 3, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

Is American lime toxic to dogs?

No. Reliable sources list it as non-toxic to dogs.

Is American lime toxic to cats?

No. Reliable sources list it as non-toxic to cats.

How far from the house should American lime be planted?

Plant it at least 2.5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 1.5 m from paving.

When does American lime flower?

Flowering: June–July, yellow.

How much water does American lime need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

American lime

Tilia americana

American lime (Tilia americana) is a large tree. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -40 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Illustration of American lime — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A large, fast-growing lime with strikingly big dark green leaves, up to 20 cm long, and fragrant pale yellow flowers in early summer that bees visit in huge numbers. It is a shade-giving specimen for big gardens and parks with deep, moist soil. It copes poorly with hot, dry summers and with compacted or paved ground, and aphid honeydew makes cars, benches and paving beneath it sticky.

Watch out for

Aphids colonise it regularly: the dripping honeydew leaves a sticky film on which black sooty mould grows, so do not plant it over a parking space or terrace. In the hot, dry summers of Central Europe it is sensitive to heat and soil compaction, the leaves may scorch and spider mites can build up. It copes poorly with polluted city air and with paving. Verticillium wilt is rare but can be fatal.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 7 m × 4 m
Hardiness: down to -40 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D June–July, yellow

Group	Large tree
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	7 m × 4 m
Ultimate size	18–30 m × 9–20 m
Hardiness	down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Calcareous
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	June–July, yellow
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	yes
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 2.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 1.5 m
Litter	Honeydew
Planting distance	1000 cm
For dogs	Non-toxic
For cats	Non-toxic
For children	Non-toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	no data

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

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