They are generally called lime in Britain and linden or basswood in North America.
Tilia species are large deciduous trees, reaching typically 20 to 40 metres tall, with oblique-cordate leaves 6 to 20 centimetres across and are found through the north temperate regions.
The exact number of species is subject to considerable uncertainty, as many or most of the species will hybridise readily, both in the wild and in cultivation.
The Tilia is recommended as an ornamental tree when a mass of foliage or a deep shade is desired.
The tree produces fragrant and nectar-producing flowers, the medicinal herb lime blossom.
They are very important honey plants for beekeepers, producing a very pale but richly flavoured monofloral honey.
The flowers are also used for herbal tea and tinctures, this kind of use is particularly popular in Europe and also used in North American herbal medicine practices.
The timber of Tilia trees is soft and easily worked.
It has very little grain and a density of 560 kg per cubic metre.
It is a popular wood for model building and intricate carving, especially in Germany.
It is also the wood of choice for the window-blinds and shutters industries.
The dried flowers are mildly sweet and sticky, and the fruit is somewhat sweet and mucilaginous.
Limeflower tea has a pleasing taste, due to the aromatic volatile oil found in the flowers.
The flowers, leaves, wood, and charcoal, obtained from the wood are used for medicinal purposes.
Tilia flowers are used medicinally for colds, cough, fever, infections, inflammation, high blood pressure, headache and as a diuretic, antispasmodic and sedative.