Linden Tree

We tested Basswood or Linden trees Tilia americana last summer and the fragrant flowers were eaten with no adverse affects. I intend to do more thorough trials on this tree and it’s European varieties (sometimes called a lime-tree). They are native to Eastern North America but are used as “street trees” in city landscaping throughout the USA.
There is a beautiful detail photo here:
http://www.nysite.com/nature/flora/basswd.htm

UPDATED 5/31/07: Since I couldn't recall with certainty whether the crabs had eaten the leaves before, I re-tried it. The crabs spent quite a bit of time tearing at the leaves. As you see in the photo, the flowers are not quite ready yet. So, the crabs showed a marked preference for the leaves over the flower buds. Perhaps that will change once the flowers open up and release their fragrance.