Tilia × europaea is a species of deciduous broadleaf flowering plants (in the Malvaceae or Mallow family), native to Britain and Europe. It is a vigorous tree, which can reach 50 metres, often with large rounded lumps (burrs) and many sprouts surrounding the base of the trunk. The species is a natural hybrid arising in European woodlands where both the parent species occur, namely Tilia cordata and Tilia platyphyllos, which are the other two native Tilia (lime or linden) species (also present in Whiteknights Park).

Tilia × europaea has red buds in winter. Its large heart-shaped finely toothed leaves are mid-green above and paler below, sometimes appearing a bit glossy. Tilia × europaea can be distinguished from the other two native species by the the smoothness of its leaves, which seem comparatively flimsy, and are hairless on the underside, except for small patches near the major veins, where the hairs are white or lighter brown than in the other species.

In late June and early July, Tilia × europaea bears small light yellow-green fragrant flowers in bunches of about seven, hanging below the leaves. As in all Tilia species, the flowers are accompanied by long ribbon-shaped leaves (bracts), which become noticeable in summer because they turn yellow earlier than the other leaves; nonetheless, they persist on the tree into autumn, along with the clusters of small round dry fruit.

Tilia × europaea is rarely found in the wild in this country, but has frequently been planted here and across Europe as an ornamental tree along streets (for example Shinfield Road on the western boundary of Whiteknights Park), thanks to its dense shade, rapid growth and tolerance of pollution and poor soils. It also features in parks and in historic lime avenues lining the grand entrances to stately homes. Unfortunately, it a particular favourite of aphids and their predators, resulting in sticky messy deposits underneath the trees.

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