Older trees have deeply ridged dark grey bark and often reach 90 feet in height. Branches bear small clusters of fragrant white flowers, followed by groups of woody nuts. There are 16 or 17 species native to the north temerate zone. The tilia americana is desirable for carving and lumber. The wood ranges in color from white to creamy white, with a medium brown heart wood.
Basswood holds detail well.
It is exceptionally good for relief work and caricatures. Bass wood is easy to carve. The grain does not bother direction of cut-holds. It also details and finishes well. It is a very popular carving wood.