Lime

Lime (or linden) is often planted in towns, but was one of the original native trees of northern Europe. It can grow to 30 metres tall.

The leaves are a very characteristic slightly asymmetrical heart shape. They are a very attractive food source for aphids, which in turn attract predators like hoverflies, ladybirds and birds. They also support the caterpillars of many moths.

It is aphids which produce the honey dew which falls from lime trees and makes sticky marks on cars parked underneath. The white flowers hang down in clusters, providing nectar and pollen for bees. They are accompanied by adapted leaves called bracts, which later help the hard seeds to be dispersed by the wind.