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American basswood identification: leaves, bark, fruit and twigs
American basswood, Tilia americana, is a native tree in Pennsylvania. How to recognize it by its leaves, bark, fruit and twigs, and how to tell it from look-alikes.
Alternate, simple leaves with toothed edges. Large heart-shaped leaves 5 to 6 inches long with toothed edges and a lopsided base. Bark: Smooth gray-green when young; later gray-brown with flat-topped ridges. Checked Nov. 14, 2026.
How to identify American basswood
| Leaf type | Alternate, simple leaves with toothed edges |
|---|---|
| Leaves | Large heart-shaped leaves 5 to 6 inches long with toothed edges and a lopsided base. |
| Bark | Smooth gray-green when young; later gray-brown with flat-topped ridges. |
| Fruit | Small hairy nutlets about 1/4 inch hanging under a long, leafy wing. |
| Twigs | Zigzag twigs, green in summer and red in winter. |
| Size and shape | Up to about 80 feet; sprouts heavily from the base and from stumps. |
From the Virginia Tech Dendrology fact sheet, in our own words.
Is American basswood native to Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) lists American basswood as native to Pennsylvania.
See all 140 trees, with a 4-question identifier, in our Pennsylvania tree identification guide.
Questions
How do you identify American basswood?
Look for alternate, simple leaves with toothed edges. Large heart-shaped leaves 5 to 6 inches long with toothed edges and a lopsided base. Bark: Smooth gray-green when young; later gray-brown with flat-topped ridges.
Is American basswood native to Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) lists American basswood as native to Pennsylvania.
How big does American basswood get?
Up to about 80 feet; sprouts heavily from the base and from stumps.
How can you tell American basswood in winter?
Check the twigs and bark. Twigs: Zigzag twigs, green in summer and red in winter. Bark: Smooth gray-green when young; later gray-brown with flat-topped ridges.
Sources: Virginia Tech Dendrology (Tilia americana fact sheet); Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program, PA Vascular Plant List (native or introduced status). Checked Nov. 14, 2026.
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