Birds attracted to American Basswood

Tilia americana

Native to North America

STATE DISTRIBUTION (USDA): AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VA, WI, WV

CANADIAN DISTRIBUTION: MB, NB, ON, QC

American Basswood Identification and Relationship with Birds

Medium to large-sized deciduous tree, ranging from 60 to 80 feet tall, with a 30 to 50-foot spread. The American Basswood produces clusters of fragrant, nectar-filled flowers in summer which attract an abundance of insects (the number one source of food for wild birds). In fall, a small nutlet (that is eaten by birds) appears. The Basswood is commonly used by cavity-nesting birds, such as Woodpeckers. With the decline of American Elm trees, American Basswood has also become a popular nesting spot for the Baltimore Oriole.

Birds Most Commonly Attracted to American Basswood

• Baltimore Oriole
• Blue Jay
• Insectivorous Birds
• Pileated Woodpecker
• Red-Bellied Woodpecker