Ginkgo

Description

Ginkgo – Ginkgo biloba is an ancient species. It is sometimes referred to as a living fossil. Ginkgo has been in its current form for 170 million years, a testament to its tenacity and efficiency as a species.

Ginkgo is a slow growing tree that over time, becomes very large.  It can grow to 60′ to 115′ tall or taller. It is hardy in zones 4 to 9 and is tolerant of most soil conditions. It does not like wet feet but can tolerate clay soils. It has inconspicuous green flowers that are wind pollinated. Trees are either male or female. Female trees can have a lot of fruit if a male tree is present. If no male is present, there will be no fruit. The fruit has an unpleasant fragrance when ripe and can also be messy. The fruit is a significant ingredient in Chinese herbal medicines.

Leaf color is a light to medium green in the summer, changing to a stunning saffron gold in the fall. Large trees can be a tourist attraction for their brilliant fall color.