Abstract

Trees of common lime (Tilia x europaea L.) have been planted in Swedish gardens and urban landscapes since at least the beginning of the 17th century. This is in accordance with the situation in most other European countries. The trees were initially imported from the Netherlands but later domestic production was started. The domestic material was collectively known as ‘Dutch lime’ even when propagated in Sweden. To understand the variation in common lime in Swedish gardens, the methods of propagation in the 17th and 18th centuries were investigated using contemporary textbooks and other references. Propagation by layering was the most important method, while seed propagation was used during the second half of the 18th century. The lime material planted in Sweden during the 17th and 18th centuries was found to constitute a number of unnamed clones and one single seed strain, all of which are included in the concept ‘Dutch lime’. Based on the information obtained, a system of classification was developed which also covers more recent introductions of common limes. The extensive variation found within the taxon Tilia x europaea L. is divided into six clonal groups, one of which also contains a single seed strain planted in Swedish gardens before 1800. The classification system proved to be useful in practice as a tool for identification of different varieties of common lime. It was found that the different groups react differently to pruning practices, which is of significance when choosing methods for restoration of old lime tree plantings. A separate study was made of the oldest recorded planting of common lime in Sweden. By combining knowledge of lime biology and garden history in an interdisciplinary way, it was possible to chart and interpret the development of this particular single tree during its 381-year history at Malmvik Manor near Stockholm.