If you walk from the fountain east, at the intersection where a fork occurs in the road and the pathway veers south, there is a huge Linden tree. Right now, it’s flowering and the flowers emit the most beautiful smell. The flowers don’t last that long so check it out soon.
I was walking by and looking around for where the fragrance was coming from and then looked up and realized that tree is a Linden tree. I don’t know if there is more than one Linden tree in the park.
More on Linden Trees (genus: Tilia) from Wikipedia:
On healing: The flowers are used for herbal tea and tinctures; this kind of use is particularly popular in Europe and also used in North American herbal medicine practices.
In Germanic mythology: Originally, local communities assembled not only to celebrate and dance under a Tilia tree, but to hold their judicial thing (governing assembly) meetings there in order to restore justice and peace. It was believed that the tree would help unearth the truth.
We learn something new every day! We never knew about the Linden Tree, but now (hopefully) we can make it to the park while its still in bloom. Are the flowers safe to pick and use, or should that be left up to professionals?
Hi Brodsky Org.,
Thanks for writing. I only learned of the Linden Tree a couple of years ago and didn’t realize Washington Square had one until this year (that part of park under construction for so long and all).
When the flowers fall, they are not in their freshest state at that point. However, when they are on the tree, they would be close to impossible to get to as it’s a very tall tree! You could try picking some up if you encounter them I’d say but perhaps best just for smelling at that point.
The fragrance of the Linden Tree seems to be at times stronger than others. It seems a bit hit or miss but I hope you get to experience it.
best,
Cathryn
WSP Blog.