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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 GB / Ireland
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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