Today we are going to visit the Ginkgo tree (Ginkgo biloba). According to literature cited from “The Missouri Botanical Garden” Ginkgo trees are one of about twenty deciduous confers. Most deciduous conifers that you would be familiar with, are varieties of Larch, Bald Cypress and Dawn Redwood to name a few. Ginkgo trees are thought to be the only surviving member of ancient plants that inhabited our earth some 150 million years ago. The Ginkgo tree also referred to as Maidenhair tree because of the resemblance of their fan shaped leaves to Maidenhair ferns. Ginkgo trees are dioecious meaning there are male and female trees. Most nurseries sell only fruitless male tress because the female trees produce a messy, noxious foul odor fruit that matures in the fall.
Ginkgo is adaptive to a wide range of soil conditions in the pH range of 5.5 – 8.5 which is quite impressive. Ginkgo trees are considered a fast growing tree that generally reaches a maximum height of 50 – 80 ft. with a crown spread of 30 – 40 ft. Our Newtown, CT USDA hardiness zone 6A is right on target for the Ginkgo trees natural range of zones 3 – 8. Ginkgo trees do need full sun, make excellent street trees and have good tolerance to deer. According to “The University of Maryland Medical Center” Ginkgo herb is used for dementia, Alzheimer, depression and better blood circulation to the brain.
For all you tree related concerns remember to contact Forester Jeff for your FREE TREE LOOK-UP FROM THE TRUNK-UP! jeff@yackoandsons.com or 203
