Tilia americana 'Redmond'

Tilia americana ‘Redmond’ was discovered in 1920 by nurseryman C. M. Redmond in his own garden and was introduced to the market in 1927 by Plumfield Nurseries in Fremont, Nebraska, United States. It was initially thought to be a hybrid with Tilia × euchlora, but it is now classified under Tilia americana. Of all American basswoods, this cultivar shows the best tolerance to urban environments. The tree grows quickly, has an upright habit and forms a uniform, very neat pyramidal crown. As it matures, the crown becomes more oval, yet remains relatively compact and upright. The trunk stays remarkably straight, and the branches droop less than those of the species.

The strikingly large, light green leaves are broadly ovate with a heart shaped base, coarsely serrated margins and are more hairy and lighter in color than those of the species. In June, fragrant light yellow flowers appear in hanging clusters. These flowers are rich in nectar and pollen and attract many insects. After flowering, velvety hairy, round, stalked nutlets develop with a slightly ribbed texture. The bark of young trees is smooth and gray, becoming rougher and irregularly furrowed with age. The cultivar ‘Redmond’ has sturdy twigs that range from olive green to brown.

Tilia americana ‘Redmond’ is highly suitable for avenues, streets, parks and large gardens due to its fast growth, large leaf mass and clean, structured crown form. The tree performs well in both urban and rural environments and is highly tolerant of air pollution, drought, heat and paving, while showing very low susceptibility to aphids. Wind poses no problem, although sea wind is less well tolerated. The American basswood ‘Redmond’ thrives best in fertile, well drained soils but will grow on almost any soil type as long as it is not too dry.