Ginkgo biloba

Common Name:
Maidenhair Tree

Description:
Ginkgo biloba is a unique and ancient deciduous tree prized for its distinctive fan-shaped leaves and exceptional resilience. Native to China, this slow-growing tree is well-known for its brilliant golden-yellow autumn foliage, which creates a spectacular seasonal display before dropping to reveal an elegant, architectural branching structure in winter. It thrives in a wide range of soil conditions, preferring well-drained soil and full sun. Highly resistant to pests, diseases, pollution, and urban stress, Ginkgo biloba is an excellent choice for streetscapes, parks, large gardens, and avenue plantings. This living fossil, unchanged for millions of years, is also known for its medicinal properties and historical significance.

Form:

• Tree - Medium
• Tree - Large

Mature Size:

• Height: 12–20m
• Width: 6–10m

Aspect:

• Full Sun

Flowering:

• Does not flower

Flower Colour:

• N/A

Key Attributes:

• Deciduous
• Architectural / Feature tree
• Autumn Foliage Interest
• Pollution Tolerant
• Disease Resistant
• Suitable for Avenue Planting

Toxicity:

• Female trees produce fruit-like seeds with a strong odour; the seed kernels can be toxic if consumed in large quantities.

Companion Plants:

• Acer palmatum (Japanese Maple) for complementary autumn colour
• Betula pendula (Silver Birch) for contrast in texture and form
• Lavandula (Lavender) for underplanting with drought tolerance
• Miscanthus (Ornamental Grass) for a soft, textural pairing