Plant Library

Other Names:  Maidenhair Tree

Description:

A true 150 million year old relic with uniquely fan-shaped leaves; absolutely beautiful form and habit of growth, golden fall color; female plants produce fruit which smells foul when decomposing, be sure to choose male plants for landscape use

Ornamental Features

Ginkgo has emerald green deciduous foliage on a tree with a pyramidal habit of growth. The fan-shaped leaves turn an outstanding yellow in the fall. However, the fruit can be messy in the landscape and may require occasional clean-up.

Landscape Attributes

Ginkgo is an open deciduous tree with a distinctive and refined pyramidal form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This is a high maintenance tree that will require regular care and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Messy

Ginkgo is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Shade

Planting & Growing

Ginkgo will grow to be about 70 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 60 feet. It has a high canopy of foliage that sits well above the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. As it matures, the lower branches of this tree can be strategically removed to create a high enough canopy to support unobstructed human traffic underneath. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live to a ripe old age of 150 years or more; think of this as a heritage tree for future generations!

This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and should do just fine under average home landscape conditions. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This species is not originally from North America.