identifyingplants:

Tilia americana // American Basswood

• Grows in average, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Tolerates some drought. Generally intolerant of air pollution and urban conditions. Found in dry upland areas as well as moist, low woods. Also in rich woods, slopes, bluff bases and along streams. Zone 2-8.
• Native to Central and Eastern North America
• 50-80’
• Leaves:  Simple, alternate. Large ovate, dark green, to 6” long. Acuminate tips, serrate margins and uneven cordate bases.
• Flowers: Fragrant, pale yellow. Bees often visit in such abundant numbers that humming can be heard many feet from the tree. Honey made from these flowers is a prized gourmet food item. Flowers can also be used to make tea.
• Fruit: small nutlets with attached leafy wings
• Good shade tree.
• Eco-indicator of rich, moist sites. (Wessels)

(Information from the Missouri Botanical Garden Website unless otherwise specified)