Littleleaf Linden — Ella cordata

The Littleleaf Linden, a native of Europe, is strongly branched and has no serious pests. While slower-growing than its related American Linden (T. americana), it forms a dense, cone-shaped, almost formal shape.

Virtually no pruning is needed except when removing lower branches for “head clearance.” Foliage is broadly heart-shaped, slightly lopsided and has small, sharply-pointed teeth along the margins. Compared with American linden, the leaves are almost half as large. To further distinguish this species, look for tufts of brownish hairs in the vein junctures (axils) on the lower leaf surface.

When in flower in mid-summer the fragrance is sweet to the extent of being almost overpowering. Bees will swarm the tree for the nectar by the thousands. Caution: If you are highly sensitive to bee stings, it is best to stay clear of this tree during flowering. The specimen before you has a double top, probably the result of an injury when the tree was very young. Single or multi-topped, the tree maintains a neat, symtrical shape. In winter, the tree is easily identified by the fine branching pattern and the small, lopsided buds which are normally yellowish to yellow-brown.

Wood from the Littleleaf Linden is light, strong, attractive and odor free and is used to make boxes, tubs and other containers. It is also used as an excelsior and for wood carving. The tough inner bark is used especially in Russia and in China as tying material and to make ropes, mats, shoes and other articles.

Other Denver locations

Washington Park; City Park.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tilia_cordata