Basswood Tree Identification

Identifying specific tree species is a mysterious and dark-art to most people.  Particularly those species which are considered 'exotic' for the area in which one lives.

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Wood carvers like to use 'basswood' (the tree is also called American Linden) but here in Tri-Cities, it's rarely seen. While the bark does not appear to be terribly distinct, basswood is one of the few trees which has 2 differently shaped leaves.  On a tree which was felled when the leaves were on, I have seen these leaves stay attached for up to 2 years.  That really helped to identify the species!

Basswood / Linden is also surprisingly hard.  If you haven't noticed that, you're pretty good at sharpening your carving tools ;)