American Basswood

Ojibwe Name:

wiigobimizh

Scientific Name:

Tillia americana

Significance in Ojibwe Cultures:

American basswood fibres are used for tying wild rice stalks before harvest.

How to Identify the Leaves:

"Basswood has large, heart-shaped leaves with toothed edges and a short point. The twigs have a noticeable zigzag appearance. The fragrant yellow flowers and round grayish-brown fruit hang from the centre of a leaf-like bract. When released, the bract acts like a helicopter wing and carries the seeds away in a breeze. The bark is gray-brown with long narrow ridges."