Unidentified Linden

About Unidentified Linden in Alberta

Unidentified Linden is the correct Alberta record for a tree confidently recognized as a linden, genus Tilia, but not supported by enough evidence for a species, hybrid, or cultivar name. It should normally be treated as an introduced planted tree in urban and designed landscapes, not as a wild Alberta tree. For ARA, this conservative category is important because Edmonton planting guidance includes American linden, littleleaf linden, and Dropmore linden, so a linden should not be forced into American or littleleaf linden without diagnostic evidence.

Identification: Leaves are alternate, simple, broadly ovate to heart-shaped, pointed at the tip, and serrate along the margin. The leaf base is often unequal. Leaf size, texture, underside hair, and vein-axil hair tufts vary among species and cultivated forms, so they must be documented rather than assumed.

Alberta range and habitat: Tilia sp. is not a single wild Alberta taxon. An unidentified linden should be classified as introduced and planted unless a verified specimen, planting record, or qualified determination supports a different conclusion.