The ginkgo tree (Ginkgo biloba) is best known for its controversial (not proven) medicinal reputation to aid human memory. Research has actually shown it to have undesirable side effects.
In the plant world, the ginkgo is an ancient tree, and fossils can be found that date back 270 million years! There are several trees alive in Japan that survived the 1945 atom bomb explosion. Talk about survival of the fittest!
Gingko trees can be male or female. The nursery industry sells male trees, because female trees have messy, unpleasantly scented “fruit.” Even though nurseries guarantee a male tree, sometimes a female slips through. It can take up to 10 years before fruiting starts, and by the tree is attractive and you may not want to cut down (this situation has occurred in my mother’s front yard. The tree is so pretty we are just dealing with the “fruit” as best we can). Interestingly enough, in Asian cultures, the nut inside the fleshy (stinky) fruit is considered a delicacy.
In fall, ginkgo leaves turn a beautiful golden color. A lawn covered in ginkgo leaves looks as if someone has thrown an autumn confetti party. Ginkgos are pest and disease resistant and tolerate conditions many others trees cannot. They are a great choice for a street tree or in a backyard.
| USDA Zones: 3-9 Height: 35-50′ Width: 1/3 of the height Sun/Shade: Full Sun Water Requirements: Moderate to regular water. Plant Spacing: 30-40′ |
I love the story that for all the ginkgos we have around the world for ornamentals, the ancient tree was more or less extinct except for a single grove or two in China. I love living fossils like these and the Dawn Redwoods, also from China.
Thanks for your message Garry! Count me in when you decide to go fossil hunting. I always thought being a paleobotanist would be cool!
Just make sure not to plant the female tree! Stinky fruits!!!