Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba – Ancient, Ornamental Deciduous Tree with Unique Fan-Shaped Leaves

Ginkgo biloba, often called the Maidenhair Tree, is a fascinating deciduous tree renowned for its distinctive fan-shaped leaves and incredible resilience. This ancient species, dating back over 200 million years, thrives in urban and garden settings, offering striking seasonal interest with vibrant yellow autumn foliage. Ginkgo biloba is slow to medium growing and can reach impressive heights over time, becoming a stately specimen.

Key Features:

• Growth: Medium-large tree reaching 20–35 meters tall; pyramidal when young, becoming more rounded with age.
• Leaves: Unique, fan-shaped green leaves that turn bright golden yellow in autumn.
• Bark: Grey-brown with deep furrows on mature trees.
• Climate: Highly tolerant to urban pollution, wind, drought, and frost; adaptable to many soil types.
• Use: Excellent specimen tree, street tree, or focal point in large gardens and parks.
• Wildlife: Attracts little pest or disease issues, safe for wildlife.

Growing Tips:

• Plant in full sun or partial shade with well-drained soil.
• Prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil but tolerates a range of conditions.
• Young trees benefit from regular watering and mulching.
• Prune minimally to maintain shape, ideally in winter when dormant.

Fun Fact:
Ginkgo biloba is a living fossil, the only surviving member of its group, with fossils dating back to the Jurassic period.