Tree Collection

Franklin Park Conservatory sits within an 88-acre green space oasis and is home to 1,593 trees, including 169 species, that provide important ecological benefits such as cleaner and cooler air, bird and pollinator habitats, beautification, and health improvement for neighbors. Urban tree canopies are critical to improving air and water quality, reducing greenhouse gasses and atmospheric warming, beautifying the community, and positively impacting the health and wellness of urban residents. The Conservatory’s horticulture team is committed to the health and maintenance of its current tree collection, not only for the benefit of our visitors but for the entire community living and working in downtown Columbus.

Tree of the Month: July

Silver Linden (Tilia tomentosa)

Article Written By: Alexis Lorentzen – Horticulture Project Manager

Photo By: Karin Noecker

Common Name & Latin Name: Silver Linden, Tilia tomentosa

Plant Family: Malvaceae

Light: Full Sun to Part Shade

Height: 50’ to 70’

Spread: 30’ to 50’

USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-7 

Origin: Southeast Europe & Southwest Asia

Location on Property: Front Entrance of Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

The Silver Linden is a large, deciduous tree with attractive green leaves that have a silvery-white underside. Leaves are ovate and can be heart shaped with finely serrated margins. The undersides of the leaves contain hundreds of tiny, soft hairs that are silver in color. When wind blows through the canopy of these trees, the silvery undersides can make the tree look like it is shimmering! This tree has a broad canopy with an upright growth habit and makes for an excellent shade tree during the summer. 

Tilia flowers appear in mid June to July and release a pleasant, floral fragrance similar to honeysuckle or jasmine flowers. Flowers are a beautiful, creamy yellow and hang downward in flower clusters called cymes. These individual blooms are delicate and smaller than a thumb but in large clusters can be a wonderful sight during the summer months! The collection of stamens and anthers that hang from the flower look like fiber optic lights in the way they spread out from the center and have a source of bright orange pollen at the tips. This pollen source attracts many pollinators including bees, butterflies, and other flying insects.

Tree Gallery

Franklin Park Conservatory Tree Inventory 

This inventory includes 1,593 trees across Franklin Park and the Conservatory and 169 unique species. Each dot on the map represents a tree present in that location. Tree species are represented by the color of the dot and details about individual trees are easily found by selecting a tree. Tree species and size, as well as the ecological and economic benefits of that tree, are displayed in the “Details” tab on the right side of the map. Visit Ahlum & Arbor to view the tree inventory HERE.

Special thanks to our tree care partner, Ahlum & Arbor Tree Preservation!

Who is Ahlum & Arbor Tree Preservation?

Ahlum & Arbor Tree Preservation is one of Central Ohio’s premier arboricultural companies and a great partner to the Conservatory. Founded over 40 years ago, Ahlum & Arbor has a long history of exceptional quality, professionalism, and expertise. Ahlum & Arbor has an uncompromising standard of excellence and is one of the few companies in the state of Ohio to be accredited by the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA). Click HERE to learn more about Ahlum & Arbor Tree Preservation.