Greenspire Linden Blooms

Spring is in full bloom, ushering in the season for us to get outside and enjoy. With this season comes new things to explore and get curious about. Around the farm we’re starting to plant our gardens, flowers are bursting forth with vibrant colors, and the trees are flourishing – we could always use a little more rain, though! 

Soon, Tilia (Lindens) will be beautifully blooming around town and in the nursery. They are important pollinators in our neighborhoods and forests; you may be able to spot butterflies and bees enjoying the flowers if you look closely! At the Nursery we grow a few different kinds of Linden: Redmond American Linden, American Sentry Linden, Greenspire Littleleaf Linden, and Green Mountain Silver Linden. Each type offers beauty, shade, and pollination in our communities.

Lindens are not only a wonderful tree to add to the landscape, but they have a rich history of mythology and medicine. Linden trees, or “lime trees,” are considered sacred in Slavic, Baltic, and German history, honored with ceremonies and prayers for fertility and luck. In Greek mythology, the poet Ovid wrote of an old couple named Baucis and Philemon, who, as they came to the end of their life, were transformed into a Linden and an Oak to continue to be together after they died.

Lindens also have curative and benefits, said to have healing powers in the flowers, roots, and bark. In the Middle Ages, mystic nun and theologian Hildegard von Bingen wrote that she considered Lindens to be a protector of good health. The flowers can be easily harvested to make tea and honey, which offer comfort, anti-inflammatory properties, and a simple, tasty treat. 

A quick Google search will lead you to lots of delicious recipes to try, and we’ve compiled a few here today! The easiest way to enjoy a cup of Simple Linden Blossom Tea is to “combine a handful of dried Linden blossoms with 1 liter of hot water; 2 teaspoons fresh blossoms, or 1 teaspoon dried Linden blossoms per cup.  Allow 5 minutes to steep, before straining, and drink hot.” Linden Flower Honey is also an easy way to enjoy these blooms this time of year that lasts for a while in your cupboard! In a jar, cover fresh Linden flowers with honey and infuse for a few days. This sweet treat can be enjoyed in tea or coffee, on a slice of toast, or however you like to use honey! 

Both of these websites linked have other recipes to try and experiment with, like iced tea or cocktails, so keep an eye out for when your local Lindens start to flower, pick some blooms, and get creative! Here on the farm we’ll be pouring ourselves a brew in our favorite mug and enjoying the sunsets – the perfect way to wind down at the end of a long day in the nursery. Let us know if you find some Lindens in your neighborhood, or even in your backyard, and if you try one of these recipes! We love to see how folks appreciate and experience trees in their communities, and can’t wait to see your creations!

~ Maggie Thomas Harper