What's this odd leaf? ? ?

[Ray]

The leaf at this link blew onto our porch today. Can anyone identify it?

[Charlie]

Looks like a type of Linden

Charlie

[Stewart Robert Hinsley]

In message , Charlie@?.?.invalid writes

Correct, but technically it's not a leaf, but a partial infructescence. The leaf-like component is a bract.

[Ray]

Many thanks. If I plant it, will it grow into a tree?

[Kay Lancaster]

It's a fruit and subtending bract from a Tilia -- linden or lime or basswood are common names.

Kay

[Stewart Robert Hinsley]

In message , Ray writes

Possibly. In Britain the commoner limes (lindens) (Tilia cordata, Tilia platyphyllos, Tilia x vulgaris) rarely produce viable seed. I don't know what the case is with those taxa in your locality, or with other taxa, such as Tilia americana, in your locality.