Tree · Malvaceae family · with preparation per the EMAornamental and medicinal · also in Medicinal herbs
small-leaved lime
Tilia cordata
In short a 10-second read
Small-leaved lime (tree) grows to 15–30 m tall and 10–15 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun to part shade, in soil from dry to moist. It flowers in June–July; the flowers are yellow. Hardy to −34 °C.
× spread 10–15 m
Where to plant
Sun, soil, frost.
It grows best in full sun to part shade, in soil from dry to moist. Hardy to −34 °C.
Sun
Tolerates several positions — choose to suit the rest of the garden.
Soil and water
dry to moist · watering: moderate
Soil: loamy
Soil pH 6–8.5
Frost
It copes with a normal winter outdoors.
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
Reaches maturity in about 20–50 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Flowers
June–July · yellow
Pruning
No pruning needed — just remove dead or damaged parts (July–December).
Planting
container plant: October–April; bare-root: October–March; root-balled: October–March
Winter protection
not needed
Overwintering
It copes with winter on its own.
It overwinters outdoors without protection, hardy to −34 °C.
- Needs no protection
- Hardy to −34 °C
- Deciduous — bare in winter
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When does small-leaved lime flower?
In June–July; the flowers are yellow.
Does small-leaved lime tolerate shade?
It tolerates part shade (3–6 hours of sun), but not full shade.
How much space does small-leaved lime need?
At maturity 10–15 m wide and 15–30 m tall; recommended spacing 1000 cm.
Does small-leaved lime survive winter outdoors?
Yes, without protection, hardy to −34 °C.
Where the data comes from
We compared the data in 21 expert sources. Last checked 18 October 2026.
Show sources (21)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Tilia cordata
- Oregon State University Landscape Plants — Tilia cordata
- Van den Berk Nurseries (NL), stromová škôlka — Tilia cordata
- GBIF Occurrence Search API — Tilia cordata
- EPPO Global Database — Tilia cordata
- Polleninformation.at Plantcompass — Linden
- Zahradníková E., Rendeková A., Ščevková J. (2023) Temporal variation of allergenic potential in urban parks: a case study from Bratislava, Slovakia. Environ Sci Pollut Res 31: 2026–2041 (doi 10.1007/s11356-023-31137-9) — tabuľka peľového a alergénneho potenciálu drevín
- EMA/HMPC - Tiliae flos (herbal medicine)
- EMA/HMPC - monografia Tiliae flos (EMA/HMPC/337066/2011)
- RHS - Tilia cordata
- RHS - Shrubs and trees: light pruning
- RHS - Bleeding from pruning cuts
- RHS - Trees and shrubs: planting
- Clemson HGIC - Planting Trees Correctly
- RHS - How to grow trees
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EU, Slovakia, Czechia, Germany, Poland, Denmark
Similar plants
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Preparation and use · small-leaved lime
How to prepare it.
According to the monograph of the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
part: flower
For: symptoms of the common cold EMA 4.1For whom: Adolescents, adults, elderly EMA 4.2
- What you use
- Herb EMA 4.2
- How it is used
- By mouth EMA 4.2
- Single dose
- 1.5 g of dried flowers in 150 ml of boiling water EMA 4.2
- How often
- 2–4× a day EMA 4.2
- Daily total
- 3–6 g a day EMA 4.2
- When to start
- At the first signs EMA 4.2
- How long
- If symptoms last longer than 1 week or get worse, see a doctor. EMA 4.2
Method
- 1
Start at the first signs.
EMA 4.2 - 2
Put 1.5 g of dried flowers in a cup.
EMA 4.2 - 3
Pour over 150 ml of boiling water.
EMA 4.2 - 4
Steep for 5–15 min.
EMA/HMPC/5829/201010:00 - 5
Drink 2–4× a day.
EMA 4.2
For: symptoms of the common cold EMA 4.1For whom: 4–12 years · children EMA 4.2
- What you use
- Herb EMA 4.2
- How it is used
- By mouth EMA 4.2
- Single dose
- 1 g of dried flowers in 150 ml of boiling water EMA 4.2
- How often
- 2–4× a day EMA 4.2
- Daily total
- 2–4 g a day EMA 4.2
- When to start
- At the first signs EMA 4.2
- How long
- If symptoms last longer than 1 week or get worse, see a doctor. EMA 4.2
Method
- 1
Start at the first signs. EMA 4.2
- 2
Put 1 g of dried flowers in a cup. EMA 4.2
- 3
Pour over 150 ml of boiling water. EMA 4.2
- 4
Steep for 5–15 min. EMA/HMPC/5829/2010
- 5
Drink 2–4× a day. EMA 4.2
For: mild symptoms of mental stress EMA 4.1For whom: From 12 years · adolescents, adults, elderly EMA 4.2
- What you use
- Herb EMA 4.2
- How it is used
- By mouth EMA 4.2
- Single dose
- 1.5 g of dried flowers in 150 ml of boiling water EMA 4.2
- How often
- 2–4× a day EMA 4.2
- Daily total
- 3–6 g a day EMA 4.2
Method
- 1
Put 1.5 g of dried flowers in a cup. EMA 4.2
- 2
Pour over 150 ml of boiling water. EMA 4.2
- 3
Steep for 5–15 min. EMA/HMPC/5829/2010
- 4
Drink 2–4× a day. EMA 4.2
part: flower
Tincture from a pharmacy
For: symptoms of the common cold EMA 4.1For whom: Adolescents, adults, elderly EMA 4.2
- What you use
- Tincture EMA 4.2
- How it is used
- By mouth EMA 4.2
- Tincture
- 1 : 5, ethanol 45 % EMA 2
- Maceration
- 3 days pharmacopoeia (USP)
- Single dose
- 1 ml EMA 4.2
- How often
- 1–2× a day EMA 4.2
- Daily total
- 1–2 ml a day EMA 4.2
- When to start
- At the first signs EMA 4.2
- How long
- If symptoms last longer than 1 week or get worse, see a doctor. EMA 4.2
Method
- 1
Start at the first signs.
EMA 4.2 - 2
Measure out 1 ml of tincture.
EMA 4.2 - 3
Take it 1–2× a day.
EMA 4.2
For: mild symptoms of mental stress EMA 4.1For whom: From 12 years · adolescents, adults, elderly EMA 4.2
- What you use
- Tincture EMA 4.2
- How it is used
- By mouth EMA 4.2
- Tincture
- 1 : 5, ethanol 45 % EMA 2
- Maceration
- 3 days pharmacopoeia (USP)
- Single dose
- 1 ml EMA 4.2
- How often
- 1–2× a day EMA 4.2
- Daily total
- 1–2 ml a day EMA 4.2
Method
- 1
Measure out 1 ml of tincture. EMA 4.2
- 2
Take it 1–2× a day. EMA 4.2
Dosage
| Form | Single dose | How often | For whom | How long | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Herbal tea (infusion)at homepart: flowerfor: symptoms of the common cold | 1.5 g of dried flowers in 150 ml of boiling water EMA 4.2 | 2–4× a day · 3–6 g a day in total EMA 4.2 | Adolescents, adults, elderly | longer than 1 week → see a doctor EMA 4.2 | When to start: at the first signs EMA 4.2 |
| Herbal tea (infusion)at homepart: flowerfor: symptoms of the common cold | 1 g of dried flowers in 150 ml of boiling water EMA 4.2 | 2–4× a day · 2–4 g a day in total EMA 4.2 | 4–12 years · children | longer than 1 week → see a doctor EMA 4.2 | When to start: at the first signs EMA 4.2 |
| Herbal tea (infusion)at homepart: flowerfor: mild symptoms of mental stress | 1.5 g of dried flowers in 150 ml of boiling water EMA 4.2 | 2–4× a day · 3–6 g a day in total EMA 4.2 | From 12 years · adolescents, adults, elderly | ||
| Tincturefrom a pharmacy or at home ↓part: flowerfor: symptoms of the common cold | 1 ml EMA 4.2 | 1–2× a day · 1–2 ml a day in total EMA 4.2 | Adolescents, adults, elderly | longer than 1 week → see a doctor EMA 4.2 | Tincture: 1 : 5, ethanol 45 % · When to start: at the first signs EMA 2 EMA 4.2 |
| Tincturefrom a pharmacy or at home ↓part: flowerfor: mild symptoms of mental stress | 1 ml EMA 4.2 | 1–2× a day · 1–2 ml a day in total EMA 4.2 | From 12 years · adolescents, adults, elderly | Tincture: 1 : 5, ethanol 45 % EMA 2 | |
| Children under 4: not recommended EMA 4.2 | |||||
How long
If symptoms last longer than 1 week or get worse, see a doctor. — for: symptoms of the common cold · Adolescents, adults, elderly; 4–12 years · children EMA 4.2
Who should not use it
- Children under 4: not recommended EMA 4.2
- If hypersensitive (allergic) to this plant EMA 4.3
- During pregnancy and breastfeeding (not recommended) EMA 4.6
Cautions
- If shortness of breath, fever or purulent sputum occurs, see a doctor. EMA 4.4
- If symptoms get worse, see a doctor. EMA 4.4
- If symptoms persist, see a doctor. EMA 4.2
- The tincture contains alcohol (ethanol). EMA 4.4
- If you take any medicines, ask a doctor or pharmacist. GridGarden
- Do not drive after taking it. GridGarden
Home-made tincture · per the EMA
Tincture at home.
The EMA also lists a tincture. This is how to make it from dried herb from your bed.
Weigh
of dried flowers, chopped
calculated · 1 : 5Cover with alcohol
ethanol 45 %, in a glass jar
EMA 2Leave to steep
close the jar, keep it in the dark and shake it now and then
pharmacopoeia (USP)Use
1–2× a day
EMA 4.2Before taking the tincture
The tincture contains alcohol. Read this before use:
- Not for children (adolescents and adults only)EMA 4.2
- If hypersensitive (allergic) to this plantEMA 4.3
- During pregnancy and breastfeeding (not recommended)EMA 4.6
- The tincture contains alcohol (ethanol).EMA 4.4
- If shortness of breath, fever or purulent sputum occurs, see a doctor.EMA 4.4
- If symptoms get worse, see a doctor.EMA 4.4
- If you take any medicines, ask a doctor or pharmacist.GridGarden
- Do not drive after taking it.GridGarden
Source: EMA/HMPC monograph EMA/HMPC/337066/2011 · Steeping days and straining