Ornamental - Ginkgo Biloba - Maidenhair Tree

Ginkgo is tolerant of most well-drained soils. Fastest growth occurs on deep sandy soils.
Light: Likes bright sunny conditions.
Moisture: Provide sufficient water after transplanting. Once established ginkgo is drought tolerant.

Ginkgo is a survivor from ancient times. Fossil evidence indicates that 150 million years ago great forests of ginkgo covered much of North America and Asia. Today this hardy deciduous tree is enjoyed as a landscape plant in many parts of the world.

Ginkgo grows slowly to a height of 100 ft (30.5 m), with a width in the range of 20-50 ft (6.1-15.2 m). Male trees tend to grow taller and more upright than the female trees which assume a lower, spreading form. Both exhibit an irregular pattern of branching that is visually appealing.

Ginkgo was native to SE China but became extinct in the wild centuries ago. The tree survived only in temple gardens where it was cultivated for the edible seeds. Ginkgo is now a prized landscape tree for temperate areas everywhere.

Not so appealing are the females' fleshy plum-like fruits. These are yellow-pink, about inch in diameter and smell like vomit! On a more positive note, the hard seeds make a tasty snack when roasted. Nonetheless, most will want to plant only male trees, from which there are many varieties to choose. The ginkgo has unique fan-shaped leaves that are 2-3 in (5.1-7.6 cm) long. Leaf veins radiate out from the petiole (leaf stem), and the center of the fan is notched, dividing the leaf into two lobes inspiring the species name biloba. Cold hardiness, pest resistance, low maintenance needs, and tolerance of smoke and air pollution, combined with its striking beauty, make ginkgo a highly prized addition to any space large enough to accommodate it.

Ginkgo seeds may be purchased in shops specializing in Asian foods and are quite tasty.

The flesh of ripe fruit ferments, creating noticable quantities of butyric acid (the classic stink-bomb smell!).

Ginkgos are large trees that look great on an expanse of lawn. Unaffected by polluted air, they are good candidates for urban landscapes. They are also tolerant of salt spray and can be used near, but not directly on, the beach. Deep-rooted and high-branched, ginkgos are perfect for creating impressive street and boulevard plantings. Another rather uncommon use for these trees is topiary.

By seed or by cuttings of soft wood which is the preferred method as the sex of a tree cannot be determined until it blossoms - trees may be twenty years old before they first bloom.