The cultural and historical significance of the linden tree
At the fountain in front of the gate, there is a linden tree... this old folk song has set a prominent monument to the linden tree. And that is all too legitimate in view of their important cultural and historical role. Because in many village communities in Central Europe, a linden tree traditionally formed the center where people met, enjoyed fellowship and made relationships.
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Their cultural relevance is no coincidence - because the deciduous tree has some characteristics and peculiarities that make it ideally suited for various human concerns. These are:
- moderate height
- flat, heart-shaped leaves
- high age
- versatile flowers
The advantages of the Linden characteristics
The height and the growth
Linden trees are about 15 to 40 meters high, depending on the species - there are around 40 in total. The smaller species are particularly suitable for planting in civilization, i.e. on roadsides, in village squares or in larger gardens. They develop a very harmonious growth habit with a spreading, often very even crown over a straight trunk. This growth also makes them a pleasant shade provider.
leaves
The leaves of the linden tree are known for their pronounced heart shape. Depending on the variety, the leaf is sometimes more flat, sometimes a little smaller - in particular, the large-leaved summer linden and small-leaved species are in this regard Winter linden relevant. The wide leaf shape and the light leaf color are also responsible for the incomparably light, pleasant linden shade.
High age
Linden trees can get very old and therefore have a certain nostalgic character. Individual copies can reach up to 500 years.
The blossoms
The flowers are also one of the most important features of the linden tree, as they have some very beneficial ones Features: On the one hand, in midsummer they exude a wonderfully sweet, honey-like scent and are one valuable Bee pasture. Linden blossom honey is therefore one of the best-known beekeeping specialties. The flowers can also be used to brew a tasty and beneficial tea, which can bring relief, especially in the case of colds.
One of the more unpleasant features of the linden blossom is the so-called honeydew - a sticky secretion that they secrete and annoying coatings on cars, bicycles or garbage cans can worry.
Other vegetative characteristics
Site conditions
In their location, linden trees primarily require light - they thrive best in full sun. They like the soil to be permeable and pH-neutral.
fruit
Small, spherical fruits with a single bract emerge from the fragrant flowers. This carries the ripe fruit further away as it falls, so that the linden tree can achieve a wider range of sowing.
species
Some of the 15 to 40 linden species are native to us, others also come from subtropical areas. The most important types are:
- Summer linden tree
- Winter linden
- Silver linden tree
- Crimean linden tree
