Silver Linden-Tilia tomentosa

Something to Ponder:

There is a common saying when you see a noticeable change in someone: “Wow, she has turned over a new leaf!” You say it when there is a dramatic change in direction, going from a path of bad choices and self-destruction to positive influences and healthy behaviors. Moving from a certain life of difficulty to one that may still have its challenges but contains peace and joy.

The saying has nothing to do with a tree or plant but refers to turning the pages of a book. But if it could be applied to a tree, it would be the Silver Linden.

This tree is a versatile grower, adapts to almost every soil type, flowers in the summer and is attractive to all sorts of pollinators. The Silver Linden can grow to 70 feet and can dominate the view of any landscape. It is truly a lovely tree.

But its most telling feature is seen when the wind blows. The normally dark green tree will suddenly become a beautiful shimmer of silver as the leaves turn over. It is almost as if the Silver Linden wants to make sure you know that this is no ordinary tree.

Do you know of someone who is stuck in the rut of life? Made many bad decisions and the self-inflicted pain masks what could be? Maybe that person is you?

Look closely at a leaf of the Silver Linden. Turn it over. Make the decision today to become what the breath of God designed you to be – something extraordinary.

Learn More:

Silver Linden-Tilia tomentosa is a species of flowering plant in the family Malvaceae, native to southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia, from Romania and the Balkans east to western Turkey. A beautiful shade tree with smooth, light gray bark. The foliage flutters in the slightest breeze, showcasing the radiant green on top and shimmering silver beneath. Extremely fragrant clusters of yellow-white flowers bloom in late June to early July. The dried flowers, leaves, and wood are used for medicine. Linden leaf is used for colds, stuffy nose, sore throat, breathing problems (bronchitis), headaches, fever. Leaves and flowers are used to make tea. Linden wood is favored by furniture makers who like the wood’s straight grain. It is also used for dimensional lumber and wood-veneer surfaces and for carving.