Tilia platyphyllos is a species of deciduous broadleaf flowering plants (in the Malvaceae or Mallow family), native to Britain, Europe and northern Iran. It is a large tree, which may grow to 40 metres. It has large heart-shaped sharply toothed leaves, which are dark green and slightly rough above and mid-green underneath.

In late June and early July it has small light yellow–green fragrant flowers in bunches of about four, hanging below the leaves; they are attractive to bees and important for honey production. Lime flowers can also be used to make herbal tea (lime tea or linden tea, unrelated to citrus lime, which is genus Citrus). 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 platyphyllos is one of the three native Tilia (lime or linden) species (all present in Whiteknights Park). It can be distinguished by the small white hairs covering the underside of the leaves, giving them a furry feel, whereas the other species (Tilia × europaea and Tilia cordata) leaves are hairless on the underside, except for small patches near to the major veins. Also, the leaves of Tilia platyphyllos are generally larger than those of Tilia cordata, there are fewer flowers in the bunches, and Tilia platyphyllos does not have the tendency of the other species to sprout from the base of the trunk.

Tilia platyphyllos prefers well-drained soils, typically limestone (but the word "limestone" is unrelated to "lime" tree). It grows further south in Europe than Tilia cordata. Many ancient village limes of central Europe are Tilia platyphyllos. In folklore across Europe limes are associated with fertility, justice, romance and liberty. Because of its size, shade and beauty, Tilia platyphyllos is planted along streets, in gardens and in parks.

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