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Tilia cordata (Tiliaceae)

On the top of a small hill, this linden stands out for its impressive dimensions, with a height of about 78 ft. m and a circumference reaching 31,5 ft. The estimated age of this specimen is about 200 years. The tree structure is made of 6 large stems reaching some 19.6 inches above the ground on a stump. The secluded position of this plant has allowed its constant growing and perfect crown development.

It is called “Napoleon’s linden” because Napoleon Bonaparte allegedly stopped by to rest, at the foot of this majestic tree. At that time it was probably the mother plant, later destroyed by Napoleonic troops around 1800 – only the six strong stems survived and can be still seen today.

How to get there:

From Tarvisio (UD), go past to the hamlet of Rutte Piccolo and reach a single house with a small lawn behind. The latter leads to the woods and to the base of Napoleon’s linden.

Botanical Card:

Linden species is extremely abundant in Europe. In Italy, it is scattered throughout the southern regions, as it needs the typical continental climate. It prefers deep, fresh soils rich in sweet humus from carbon rocks.
It is a sciaphilic species that can withstand summer dryness and big temperature changes; nonetheless, it requires a good degree of humidity both in the air and in the soil.

Linden trees tend to live together with other species such as oaks, maples, ashes, hornbeams, Turkey oaks and not infrequently with beeches and white firs. Linden trees are never found alone in a wood or a forest.

Bees love its flowers, producing very sweet honey.

This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)