Maidenhair Tree, Ginkgo, Fossil Tree, Icho, Yin Xing, Silver Apricot, White Fruit, Salisburia adiantifolia, Pterophyllus salisburiensis
Ginkgo biloba is often referred to as a “living fossil,” as it has no close living relatives and resembles fossils dating back over 200 million years. The tree was thought extinct in the wild and was only known to exist in temple gardens in China before being rediscovered in the wild in the 20th century.
Ginkgo’s ability to withstand major catastrophic events, including the bombing of Hiroshima, where it was one of the few living things to survive near the blast site, has made it a symbol of resilience and peace.
Its unique biological and historical significance, combined with its beauty and utility, continues to fascinate botanists, gardeners, and urban planners alike. Its presence enriches our landscapes and connects us to the deep past, reminding us of nature’s endurance and adaptability.
| Botanical Name | Ginkgo biloba |
| Common Names & Synonyms | Maidenhair Tree, Ginkgo, Fossil Tree, Icho, Yin Xing, Silver Apricot, White Fruit, Salisburia adiantifolia, Pterophyllus salisburiensis |
| Plant Type | Deciduous coniferous tree |
| Hardiness Zones | USDA 3–9 |
| Height & Spread | 50–80 ft. tall × 30–40 ft. wide (15–24 × 9–12 m) |
| Leaves & Flowers | Distinctive fan-shaped green leaves turn golden in fall; inconspicuous spring flowers; female trees bear malodorous fruit-like seeds. |
| Special Features | Living fossil, pollution tolerant, extremely hardy, deer, salt and drought resistant, urban shade |
| Main Uses | Shade tree, urban street tree, ornamental, historic plantings, traditional medicine (leaves, seeds) |
Ginkgo biloba is distinguished by its unique fan-shaped leaves, which turn a vibrant yellow in autumn. It is commonly known as the maidenhair tree due to the resemblance of its leaves to the pinnae of the maidenhair fern (Adiantum genus).
Native: Originally from China, Ginkgo biloba is the last surviving member of a group of ancient plants believed to have inhabited the earth up to 270 million years ago.
Plant Type and Habit: Ginkgo is a deciduous conifer, a rarity, as most conifers are evergreen. It has a distinctive, irregular growth habit in youth, becoming more pyramidal with age. The tree is dioecious with separate male and female trees. It’s known for its longevity, with some specimens living over a thousand years. The oldest known tree is believed to be within the walls of a Buddhist temple in the Zhongnan Mountains of China. This tree is estimated to be over 1,400 years old.
Size: Trees can grow 50-80 feet tall (15-24 meters), with a spread of 30-40 feet (9-12 meters). Some ancient specimens have grown over 100 feet tall (30 meters). Ginkgo biloba grows moderately fast, generally 1 to 2 feet (30-60 cm) per year in ideal conditions. Discover 35 Fast Growing Trees for Small Yards and Large Gardens
Flowers: The flowers of Ginkgo biloba bloom in spring, but they are not conspicuous. Male trees produce small, yellowish catkins, while female trees produce singular ovulate flowers that mature into seeds.
Fruits: The “fruits” of Ginkgo are actually seeds with a fleshy outer layer. Female trees produce these seeds in late autumn and can emit an unpleasant odor when ripe.
Foliage: Adding visual interest and beauty to the landscape, its spreading canopy of unique, fan-shaped, rich green leaves turns a stunning yellow color in the fall.
Bark: The bark of Ginkgo biloba is grey, rough, and deeply furrowed, adding winter interest.
Hardiness: Ginkgo is exceptionally hardy, tolerating zones 3-9.
Uses: Graceful and attractive in all seasons, Ginkgo biloba is a cherished shade tree that is easily established. It withstands urban pollution, making it also a popular street tree. Beyond its ornamental value, Ginkgo biloba is used in traditional medicine and is believed to enhance cognitive functions. The leaves are harvested to make ginkgo extract. Top Pollution-Tolerant Trees That Thrive Where Others Fail
Wildlife: Ginkgo biloba does not significantly attract wildlife due to its lack of nectar-rich flowers or fleshy fruits. However, its seeds, once they drop and the outer layer is removed, can be consumed by squirrels and certain birds that appreciate the nut inside.
Deer and Rabbits: Ginkgo biloba is highly resistant to damage from deer, making it an excellent choice for areas where these animals are prevalent.
Drought / Salt Tolerance: Once established, Ginkgo biloba is highly drought-tolerant, requiring minimal irrigation. It is also salt, heat, and pollution tolerant.
Toxicity: While the seeds are edible when cooked, the outer fleshy layer of the fruit can cause skin irritations and allergic reactions in some people. The seeds contain ginkgotoxin, which can be toxic to humans and pets in large quantities.
Invasiveness: Ginkgo biloba is not considered invasive. Its slow growth rate and specific reproductive biology limit its spread.
Benefits: Its leaves have been used in traditional medicine for millennia, and modern research explores its potential in memory enhancement and circulation improvement. Its resistance to pollution and adaptability to urban environments make it an invaluable addition to city landscapes.
| Variety | Type | Foliage & Appearance | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Gold | Full-size canopy | Classic upright tree, bright golden fall color, large, fan-shaped leaves | Shade tree, specimen, street and park use |
| Mariken | Dwarf/compact | Dense, rounded form; lush small leaves; deep yellow autumn foliage | Small gardens, containers, urban courtyards, bonsai |
| Princeton Sentry | Columnar/upright | Tall, narrow form; bright yellow fall color; tolerant of tight spaces | Street plantings, small city lots, narrow spaces |
| Saratoga | Upright spreading | Light green, deeply divided leaves; architectural branching | Specimen tree, shade, landscape accent |
| Majestic Butterfly | Variegated | Leaves streaked green and yellow; unique texture; compact size | Ornamental, small spaces, visual interest |
| Jade Butterflies | Dwarf/upright | Small, deeply lobed “butterfly” leaves; slow growing, bushy | Containers, bonsai, patios, small gardens |
| Pendula | Weeping | Arching, pendulous branches; umbrella-shaped; classic gold fall color | Focal point, ornamental, landscape curiosity |
| Beijing Gold | Variegated/dwarf | Striking creamy-yellow leaves, compact growth, rare | Show gardens, collectors, accent tree |
| Troll | Miniature/spherical | Tiny size, globe-like shape, very dense foliage | Rock gardens, bonsai, small landscape touch |
| Fairmont | Upright pyramidal | Narrow crown, horizontal branching, bright gold fall foliage | Street tree, specimen, urban planting, dense shade |
| Horizontalis | Spreading/weeping | Branching horizontal, layered, wide canopies; elegant shape | Landscape accent, specimen, garden focal point |
| Peve Maribo | Compact/miniature | Dense, upright habit; small deeply cut leaves; slow growing | Patios, containers, bonsai, edging |
| Tubifolia | Unusual foliage | Leaves very narrow, tube-shaped, almost aquatic look | Collector’s item, specimen, visual interest |
Walk through the quiet courtyards of temple gardens in Japan and Korea, and you’ll likely find a majestic ginkgo—living testaments to patience, resilience, and peace. In Tokyo, the ginkgo leaf isn’t just a pretty autumn sight: it’s the city’s official symbol, found on everything from manhole covers to subway lines. Korea’s village folklore tells of sacred old ginkgo trees whose brilliant yellow leaves are said to bring a good harvest if they turn all at once—some are so revered, local stories even speak of white serpents living in their branches.
Across East Asia, ginkgo remains a cultural icon, featured in historic Buddhist and Confucian gardens, royal palaces, art, and even family crests. Its fan-shaped leaves are favorite motifs in paintings, kimonos, and modern architecture, celebrated for their elegance and longevity. Japan hosts spectacular ginkgo festivals every autumn, drawing crowds to marvel at golden canopies and celebrate nature’s endurance and unity.
As stunning as ginkgoes are, few city planners want to deal with their notorious “fruit.” Female trees can blanket sidewalks with dozens of squishy seeds, each exuding a scent often described as “rancid butter.” That’s why most municipalities worldwide, including Tokyo and many U.S. cities, now restrict plantings to male trees—enjoying the autumn show, but skipping the cleanup. Fun fact: In contemporary Japan, you’ll sometimes see teams of city workers swiftly sweeping up ginkgo fruit after a festival, keeping public spaces picture-perfect for everyone.
From ancient temples to bustling avenues, the ginkgo is beloved for its beauty, resilience, and role as a living link between nature, history, and the urban world. Its presence bridges old and new, sacred and secular, making every golden autumn a chance for reflection and celebration!
Ginkgo biloba trees are remarkably resilient and have few significant problems regarding pests and diseases. Their ancient lineage has equipped them with excellent defenses, making them a low-maintenance choice for many landscapes. However, like all trees, they are not entirely immune to issues.
Ginkgo Leafminers (Stigmella multispicata): This pest is one of the few that specifically targets Ginkgo, causing minor damage by creating tunnels in the leaves. However, it rarely harms the overall health of the tree.
Aphids: Sometimes, aphids may infest Ginkgo trees, sucking sap from the leaves and producing honeydew, which can lead to sooty mold. Aphid problems are usually minor and can be managed with water sprays or insecticidal soap.
Botrytis (Gray Mold): This fungus might affect the leaves in extremely wet conditions, but it’s rare and typically not severe.
Verticillium Wilt: Although infrequent, Verticillium wilt can affect Ginkgo, causing wilting and death of branches. There’s no chemical control, but maintaining tree health can help prevent infection.
Fruit Odor: Female Ginkgo trees produce fruit that, when decomposed, releases butyric acid, smelling like rancid butter. This is often considered the most significant drawback of planting female Ginkgo trees in urban or residential areas.
Root Space: Ginkgo trees prefer not to be confined, so limited root space in urban settings can sometimes inhibit their growth, though they generally adapt well to such conditions.
Soil Compaction: While Ginkgo trees are tolerant of many urban challenges, severely compacted soil can limit growth and vigor.
Ginkgo biloba is a unique tree—the only living species of its ancient group. It’s a “living fossil” because fossils show that its ancestors existed over 200 million years ago and the species itself has survived nearly unchanged since before the age of dinosaurs.
Yes! Ginkgo trees are tough, disease-resistant, and adapt well to cities, drought, salt, and pollution. They thrive in most soils, handle urban stress, and need little maintenance once established
Ginkgos are exceptionally long-lived; some individuals are believed to be over 1,000 years old—there are ancient trees at Buddhist temples in China reputedly aged 1,400 years or more.
Young trees grow moderately fast (about 1–2 feet per year), then slow with age, sometimes reaching 50–80 feet tall in well-suited landscapes.
Female Ginkgo trees produce fruit-like seeds with a fleshy coat. When ripe, these drop and can smell unpleasant. Most landscape plantings use male trees to avoid this issue.
Yes, Ginkgo biloba is highly resistant to deer and rabbits, making it prized in areas with wildlife browsing.
Ginkgo tolerates a wide range of soils (chalk, clay, loam, sand) and city environments. It prefers well-drained soil, and while it can grow in large containers, it thrives best when planted in the ground.
The fleshy coat of the seeds can cause skin irritation, and the seeds contain ginkgotoxin, which is toxic in large amounts to humans and pets. Cooked seeds are eaten in some cultures in moderation; leaves are used for supplements.
Prune young trees in late winter for shape and structure. Mature trees need little pruning except to remove dead branches; avoid major cuts that can stress the tree.
Ginkgo is usually propagated from seed, though cuttings or grafting can be used for named varieties. Seed-grown trees are slow to mature and may not match the parent.
Yes, Ginkgo is dioecious (separate male and female trees). Male trees are preferred in landscapes because female trees produce smelly seeds.
No, Ginkgo biloba is not considered invasive. Its slow growth and specific reproductive biology limit its spread.
Ginkgo leaves are widely used in supplements, but making tea from them is not recommended due to uncertain dosage and possible toxicity.
Ginkgo has some resistance to fire thanks to its thick bark, but it is not immune and should not be relied upon as a firebreak.
| Hardiness |
3 - 9 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
3 - 9 |
| Climate Zones | 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A3 |
| Plant Type | Conifers, Trees |
| Plant Family | Ginkgoaceae |
| Genus | Ginkgo |
| Common names | Ginkgo, Maidenhair Tree |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
| Height | 50' - 80' (15.2m - 24.4m) |
| Spread | 30' - 40' (9.1m - 12.2m) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Low, Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Tolerance | Deer, Clay Soil, Drought, Salt |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
| Hardiness |
3 - 9 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
3 - 9 |
| Climate Zones | 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A3 |
| Plant Type | Conifers, Trees |
| Plant Family | Ginkgoaceae |
| Genus | Ginkgo |
| Common names | Ginkgo, Maidenhair Tree |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
| Height | 50' - 80' (15.2m - 24.4m) |
| Spread | 30' - 40' (9.1m - 12.2m) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Low, Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Tolerance | Deer, Clay Soil, Drought, Salt |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
How many Ginkgo biloba (Maidenhair Tree) do I need for my garden?
| Plant | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|
| Ginkgo biloba (Maidenhair Tree) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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