American Basswood (Google Images) 

                                                                                                  By Jordan Weith 

"Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago." - Warren Buffett 

Every tree has a story and a purpose behind it. The American Basswood was used long before our country was founded, and it has played a significant cultural role amongst many aboriginal groups in the North East. Originally used to produce twine and aid in healing the sick, the American Basswood with its soft wood is now commonly used to carve and create numerous products. Basswoods are also great shade providers as they can grow to be up to 40 feet wide and in the summer they produce a delightful smell. Their role in honey production is essential to the survival of many honey bees in the summer. There are more than 45 different species of Basswood, many which can be found lining streets and rivers throughout the Northern Hemishpere. This profile wiill focus on the American Basswood (Tilia americana), as it is the only Basswood that is native to New England.