A linden is a tall, leafy tree known for its heart-shaped leaves and sweetly scented flowers. These trees grow throughout Europe, Asia, and North America, and they can live for hundreds of years, sometimes reaching over 100 feet tall. In early summer, linden trees bloom with small, fragrant yellowish flowers that bees absolutely love. The honey made from linden flowers has a distinctive, delicate flavor that beekeepers prize.

Lindens have been important trees throughout history. In many European towns, people planted lindens in central squares where villagers would gather for markets, celebrations, and town meetings. The wood is soft and easy to carve, making it perfect for detailed sculptures and musical instruments. The famous German woodcarver Tilman Riemenschneider used linden wood for his intricate religious sculptures in the 1500s.

The tree goes by different names in different places: in Britain, people call it a lime tree (though it's not related to the citrus fruit), and its scientific name is Tilia. You might recognize a linden if you've walked under a large tree with heart-shaped leaves and noticed a wonderful, honey-like fragrance drifting down from its branches on a warm June day.