An old cultivar of the American linden originally assumed to be a hybrid. The crown is loose, broad and ovoid to rounded. Young trees have smooth, grey bark, but older trees have regular, shallow grooves. Young twigs are smooth and olive green, often reddish brown on the top and side facing the sun. The twigs and branches often hang down slightly. The leaves are remarkably large and taper to an abrupt point at the top. The base of the leaf is a slanted heart shape and the edge is roughly serrated. The upper side of the leaf is dark green while the underside is light green with light grey felt-like hair. Umbels of aromatic, pale yellow flowers the same as those of T. americana appear starting in June. This is the best-suited nectar-producing tree for beekeepers. 'Moltkei' is rarely used as an avenue or street tree because of its broad crown.