The American Basswood is a fast growing tree, well known for growing several trunks from the base. The lightweight wood and smooth grain is prized by woodcarvers.  Basswood is good browse, and buds are important for birds and deer in winter. Fruits are eaten by birds and small mammals. and pollination by honeybees results in a choice grade of honey. The wood of the Basswood is used in instruments, utensils, lumber, veneers, plywood, venetian blinds, interior sash and much more.

Bees produce a high quality honey from the flowers of the American Basswood.