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Ginkgo biloba

maidenhair tree

A deciduous tree to 25m, conical when young, becoming more irregular with age. Leaves to 12cm in width, fan-shaped and often bilobed, turning clear yellow in autumn. Unpleasantly scented dull yellow fruits in autumn on female plants

Other common names
fossil tree
icho
Synonyms
Salisburia adiantifolia
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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Green
Summer Green
Autumn Yellow Yellow
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or North–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Ginkgoaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Potentially harmful
Seeds harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Seed TOXIC to pets - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus

Ginkgo are large deciduous trees, developing an irregular, spreading crown with age, fan-shaped, 2-lobed leaves, and on female trees, unpleasantly scented yellow fruits each containing a single large seed

Name status

Correct

Plant range
China

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil in full sun. Tolerant of atmospheric pollution. Excellent specimen tree

Propagation

Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)

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