Ginkgo is a large tree widely planted along US streets, with fan-shaped leaves that turn bright yellow in fall. It is the only living species in its ancient group, and truly wild ginkgo trees are extremely rare.
Appearance
- Growth form
- A large tree that typically reaches 50–80 ft (15–24 m) tall and 30–40 ft (9–12 m) wide in US landscapes. Dwarf and narrow columnar are also sold.
- Leaves
- Distinctive fan-shaped leaves turn bright golden yellow in fall and often drop within a short time, carpeting the ground.
- Flowers
- Ginkgo does not have true flowers. Male and female reproductive structures grow on separate trees, and pollen travels by wind in spring.
- Fruit
- Female trees make yellow-orange seeds with fleshy outer coats in fall. When the coats break down, they smell unpleasant.
Look-alikes
Katsura treeCercidiphyllum japonicum
Katsura has heart-shaped leaves, while ginkgo leaves spread like small fans. Both can turn yellow in fall.
Why they get mixed upBoth are planted as fall-color trees.
Where it lives
- Typical habitats
- City streets
- Parks
- Campuses
- Gardens
- Range
- Native to China; planted widely across the US and hardy in 3–9. The origins of some old Chinese stands are still debated.
- Preferred conditions
- Tolerates drought, heat, and air pollution, and handles salt moderately well, which makes it a tough choice for urban plantings.
Growing it
- Propagation
- Because of the smelly seeds, most ornamental ginkgos in the US are male, including cultivars like 'Autumn Gold.'
- Toxicity
- The roasted seeds are eaten in East Asian cooking, but eating too many can cause poisoning, including seizures. Touching the fleshy seed coat can cause a skin rash.
Name and classification
- Varieties and forms
- US nurseries offer male and dwarf selections, including 'Autumn Gold' and 'Mariken'.
Conservation
- IUCN Red List
- ENEndangeredVery high risk of extinction in the wild
- Status
- Truly wild ginkgo trees are extremely rare.