Gingko biloba

Gingko, Maidenhair Tree
Gingko biloba
Type: Deciduous Tree
Exposure: Full Sun
Water: Regular

This is an ancient tree, believed to have originated in prehistoric times, but is more recently from a relatively small section of China. It has been known to reach 100ft (30m) tall, but more often tops out around half that high with a spread of around 30ft (9m), although there are more columnar cultivars (Princeton Sentry is one) that stay narrower. The leathery green leaves are fan-shaped with a ruffled edge, and can reach up to 4in (10cm) across. These turn a brilliant, pure yellow in autumn, then stay on the tree for a bit before dropping relatively all at once, forming a golden carpet below it. Its toughness, and resistance to disease, pests and pollution make it a natural for municipal plantings.

Only female plants produce fruit, which is considered by many to be messy and bad-smelling, but the nut inside it is used as a food item in some Chinese cuisine. As a rule, only male plants are available in nurseries. Gingko extract is widely used as a natural supplement since it is thought to increase blood flow to the brain, benefiting memory and cognitive function.

Fun Fact: Maidenhair Tree is so-named because the leaves resemble larger versions of the leaves of the maidenhair fern.

Fruit photo courtesy of www.sustainablecitiescollective.com

Cheers,

John