Littleleaf Linden

Tilia cordata

The area to the south of the mansion is a showcase of imported tree specimens. As you walk along the driveway heading south past the mansion, on the right you will first encounter a Littleleaf linden. This tree is in the same family as the basswood we saw earlier. It is found from Britain to western Asia. The leaves are distinctly heart shaped. It is popular as a shade tree and an ornamental. It also does very well for bonsai. Prior to the advent of firearms, it was also commonly used for making shields (as referenced in Beowulf).