Great as a gift 🌸
Linden
Tilia americana · Malvaceae
How it looks
Linden is a deciduous tree with large, heart-shaped serrated leaves arranged alternately. In summer, small yellow-green flowers hang from a large leaf-like bract and are very strongly fragrant. It grows 49–98 ft (15–30 m) tall.
Linden is listed as non-toxic to cats by the ASPCA. An occasional nibble is unlikely to cause any real trouble.
Guide for parents
What your cat can reach is the lower leaves and stems, plus whatever has fallen to the ground. If it is standing outside in the yard, take a look at whether the space underneath is a path your cat uses often.
Fallen leaves keep piling up if left alone, so clear the side where your cat spends time now and then. If you have brought it indoors in a pot, the rim of the pot — or the tips of any trailing stems — becomes that spot instead.
Details
- Scientific name
- Tilia americana
- Common name
- Linden
- Family
- Malvaceae
- Source
- ASPCA cats plant list
Related plants
Same plant family· Malvaceae
Other safe flowers
Related guides

7 Cat-Safe Flowers to Give a Cat Owner
Want to give flowers to a friend or family member who has a cat? Here are 7 flowers that are both beautiful and safe for cats.

Why Cats Chew Plants, and How to Stop It
A cat chewing and tearing at plants isn't just mischief — there's an instinct behind it. Once you understand why, the ways to stop it follow naturally.
