Ginkgo Biloba seeds

Habitat

native to Eastern China
zone 3
Habit and Form

deciduous
a large tree
40′ to 80′ tall by 30′ to 40′ wide, tree is generally taller the further north it is planted
medium texture, rather coarse in winter
conical form when young, spreading lateral branches with age

Summer Foliage

alternate, simple, 2″-3″ long, triangular in shape
leaves are on spurs in clusters of 3-5
Fan shaped, with parallel leaf margins and notched at apex
bright green color

Autumn Foliage

excellent yellow color
leaves drop quickly, especially following a freeze

Flowers

not considered an ornamental feature
dioecious
male: 1″ long catkin in April
female: green, naked ovules
trees may not flower until 20 years old

Fruit

naked seed produced on female tree only
clusters of 2-6
light orange to tan color
flesh covering seed has a foul smell, often described as rancid butter

Bark

grey to brown
ridged

Culture

prefers deep sandy soils and moderate moisture
adaptable to pH and almost any other conditions
full sun
tolerant of pollution, salt air, and heat
prune in spring
pest free
Landscape Uses

specimen
good for large open area
good shade tree
possibly a street tree
only male clones should be planted, female is outlawed in some areas of United States

Liabilities

no serious insect or pest problems
female plants have a foul smelling fruit
can be slow to become established following transplanting
ID Features

leaves triangular and may be 2 lobed
parallel veins
spurs with brown imbricate buds
fruit

Propagation

by seed, collect in fall (cold stratification is benefical)
can also be done by softwood or semihardwood cuttings, collect in early summer
cultivars are propagated mainly by grafting
Cultivars/Varieties

‘Autumn Gold’ (perhaps Autumn Gold™) – This male (non-fruiting) selection is common in the trade and notable for its symmetrical crown that is broad and rounded. The mature size is 50′ tall with a 30′ spread and fall color is an excellent deep yellow.

‘Jade Butterfly’ – An unusual dwarf, slow-growing form, this plant has bright green leaves and a mature height that is less than half that of standard forms. It’s an introduction out of New Zealand that is gaining popularity.

‘Magyar’ – An introduction that is gaining momentum in the trade, this plant is a non-fruiting male with upright, ascending branching to 60′ tall and half as wide. It is well-suited to urban planting as a street tree.

‘Pendula’ (also listed as f. pendula) – Plants listed under this name are quite variable, with few expressing a strong weeping habit. Most bear branches that are horizontal or droop slightly

‘PNI 2720′ (Princeton Sentry®) – A very popular non-fruiting male form, this form assumes an upright habit that tapers to the point. It reaches 60′ tall, but only 25′ wide.

‘Saratoga’ – Commonly offered, this plant has a strong central leader and an upright, narrow habit (40′ tall and 30′ tall).

‘Variegata’ – Many different clones are offered under this name, but most feature leaves that are irregularly streaked with yellow.