Ginkgo, Maidenhair Tree

(Ginkgo biloba)

Contact: Diane Relf, Extension Specialist, Environmental Horticulture

August 1996

Summary:

Foliage: Deciduous broadleaf
Height: 50 to 80 feet
Spread: 30 to 40 feet
Shape: Spreading

Distinctive, green, fan-shaped leaves turn yellow in the fall.

Plant Needs:

Zone: 4 to 9
Light: Partial shade to full sun
Moisture: Wet, moist, or dry
Soil Type: Sandy, loam, or clay
pH Range: 3.7 to 7.0

Functions:

Suggested uses for this plant include shade, street tree, and specimen plant.

Planting Notes:

Transplants readily, and is easy to establish.
Buy only male or grafted, non-fruiting varieties because the fruit of female trees has an obnoxious odor.
Prefers sandy, deep, moist soil but is very adaptable to wide range of soil types and pH.
Tolerates city conditions (air pollution and road salt).

Care:

Easy to grow and maintain because of its adaptability and resistance to insects and pests.
Prune in the spring.

Problems:

No serious problems.

Alternatives:

Consult local sources, including historic or public gardens and arboreta, regarding cultivars and related species that grow well in your area.

Cultivars of GINKGO BILOBA:
`Autumn Gold' is a male cultivar with good fall color.
`Fastigiata' (Sentry Ginkgo) is a columnar male form.
`Santa Cruz' is another male cultivar.

Comments:

Geological evidence of the Ginkgo tree dates back 150 million years.
This tree readily adapts to city conditions.
The Ginkgo will eventually become a large tree, but is slow growing.
Ginkgo is suited for bonsai.

Additional Materials:

The PRUNING SERIES videotape can be ordered through your local Extension office.
The following Extension publications may be ordered from your local Extension office or directly from: Extension Distribution Center 112 Landsdowne Street Blacksburg, VA 24061
#426-601 "The Art of Bonsai"
#426-500 "Winter Injury to Trees and Shrubs"
#426-610 "Selecting Landscape Plants - Shade Trees"

This material was developed by Carol Ness as part of the Interactive Design and Development Project funded by the Kellogg Foundation. Mary Miller, Project Director. Diane Relf, Content Specialist, Horticulture. Copyright 1989 by VCE.

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