European Linden

The European linden is a common street tree throughout New York City and Central Park. They are beautiful, stately trees, often overlooked as "just another tree." That is until early summer, usually June, when the linden flowers bloom and their perfume fills the air with a sweet, honeyed perfume. All parts of the European linden have been important to humans throughout history: the flowers produce pollen that makes a delicately flavored honey, and are used for herbal teas and tinctures; the wood is popular among carvers, marionette and puppet-makers, and for use in musical instruments.