Ginkgo (Ginkgo Biloba)

Description

Latin Name: Ginkgo biloba

Common Names: Ginkgo, Maidenhair Tree

Hardiness Zones: 3-8 Mature Size: Typically grows 70-110 feet (21-33 meters) tall and has a slow growth rate.

Soil and Climate Preferences: Ginkgos thrive in moist, well-drained soils that lean towards sandy, ideally in full sun. They also adapt well to medium soils and can tolerate various soil types including basic, acidic, and compact soils. Known for its resilience, it tolerates heat and urban pollution (Missouri Botanical Garden). Native to China, Ginkgos are widely distributed worldwide.

Characteristics: The leaves of Ginkgo biloba are 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) long, fan-shaped with two lobes, and have a leathery texture, appearing bright green. Leaf veins radiate from the stem, and leaf growth is modest during the tree’s youth. In autumn, the leaves turn a vibrant yellow (Missouri Botanical Garden). The flowers are inconspicuous, yellowish-green in color, with male catkins about 1 inch (2.5 cm) long and female catkins 1-2 inches (2-5 cm) long (Virginia Tech). Female flowers develop into fleshy fruits that surround the seeds, maturing in fall and emitting an unpleasant odor when they fall and split open (Missouri Botanical Garden). The bark is light brownish-gray with small ridges that grow larger and deeper as the tree matures (Virginia Tech).

Notes: Ginkgo has a wide range of medicinal uses and is also consumed as food. It displays bright yellow fall foliage. Ginkgos are dioecious, with male trees producing small pollen cones and female trees producing seeds. Belonging to a group of plants that have existed on Earth for 150 million years.

Potential Issues: Ginkgo trees are not susceptible to major diseases or significant issues (Missouri Botanical Garden).

Cold Stream Farm supplies Ginkgo trees which are grown as bare root seedlings and transplants and sold both wholesale and retail with no minimum order.

For further details, visit:

• Missouri Botanical Garden: [link]
• Virginia Tech Dendrology: [link]