The scent of Lime trees

[loripo]

I have never noticed this before, but there is the most lovely fresh scent from all of the Lime trees nearby. I think it must be 'new' this year, does anyone know why? I know lime flowers are used as a herbal remedy - is this from the same tree, and what is it used for?

[diggleken]

Morning Lori,
I think Limes have had a really good flowering year, very showy displays - I've noticed them more too, with their lovely scent.
Perhaps cos of weather patterns during spring, early summer?
Cheers
Ken

[artdemole]

Tilia-lime tree-linden tree- flowers and wood have many herbal uses.Can be used for coughs.colds, migraine, inflammation.Used to treat epilepsy and nervous illness.Herb teas can be used for indigestion also used to calm the mind.

[loripo]

It would be good to know about the effect weather has had and how exactly. I looked up the herbal uses you mention above and they are made into a tisane - a lad Poirot Something calming would be useful!

[Monkey Orchid]

In France they call lime flower tea 'tilleul'. It's popular there as a mildly sedative/relaxing tea, and they sell huge heaps of the dried flowers in markets.

[Jez]

I had some in a quiche earlier in the year, check "Sunday Lunch" in the tree house" they are also good for reducing blood pressure!

[JoulesH]

I don't think the lime flower or scent is any different this year - It's always wonderful!. We are fortunate to have a mature lime in the garden and a line of 4 in the field next door and every year we look forward to it. I love the scent and so do the honey bees - I wonder if our bee keeper could save me some lime honey. When all the trees are in flower you can literally 'hear them buzzing'. Perhaps the warmer weather just makes the scent more noticeable.

[loripo]

Lime flower honey sounds wonderful - I'll have to look out for that.
Ransoms I know, but the only 'cooking' leaves I've heard of are Kaffir lime, which are expensive I think...

[thunder]

Originally Posted by loripo

Lime flower honey sounds wonderful - I'll have to look out for that.
Ransoms I know, but the only 'cooking' leaves I've heard of are Kaffir lime, which are expensive I think...

Make sure you get the right lime honey - you don't (necessarily) want honey from the trees that produce those fruits like small green lemons

I recall reading years ago that honey from linden lime trees was very thick and hard to extract from the comb - can't confirm this though.

henrya

[aeshna5]

Last year I noticed several Purple Hairstreaks attracted to the flowers of a grove of Small-leaved Limes at Bookham Common.