This partially fertile hybrid tree between Tilia platyphyllos (Large-leaved lime) and Tilia cordata (Small-leaved Lime) rarely occurs naturally and it is to this natural hybrid that the RRR rating points. The majority of trees recorded which are well distributed throughout the British Isles, have been planted in parks and country hedges. So finding the one native rare Lime in amongst the thousands of planted trees is just about impossible unless you know the detailed ecological history of the site where it grows. Being partially fertile and a very good producer of seed some will escape accounting for the wide distribution. The light green leaf like structures are bracts. The leaves are in shade in this photo but have white tufts of hairs underneath as opposed to the rusty red ones on Tilia cordata (Small-leaved lime)

Tilia x europaea is very rare as a native and very common as a planted species throughout the British Isles but there is much less of it native or planted to be found in the far north or in Ireland.

Tyne valley, 3rd July 2005

Added on December 8th 2005, updated 15th February 2012