COMMON LIME (Tilia platyphyllos x Tilia cordata )

The common lime is a hybrid. It is a deciduous tree with a bright green crown and can reach 25m in height. It is often seen in parks and along the side of avenues.

The leaves open in April. They are heart shaped and pale green in colour. They turn yellow before falling in autumn and the lime is usually the first tree to shed its leaves.

The yellowish-white flowers blossom in July and form a hard grey felt textured nut. The nuts ripen by October and are carried on the wind via a papery bract which acts as a sail.

The lime tree has nothing to do with the green citrus fruit of the same name.