Structure of a Ginkgo Leaf

Foliage

• The medium-green colored tree foliage has a distinct fan or obovate shape, much like Chinese fans, ranging in length between 2 to 3 inches. The leaf petioles are also 3 inches long. The foliage grows alternately on the terminal stems and grows in clusters on the shorter spurs. The forked, lightly raised veins give a ribbed looked to the leaves. The foliage assumes golden yellow shades in the fall. The parallel veins in the leaves are assumed to be the result of their connection with evergreen trees.

Tree Description

• The tree grows to a mature height of about 80 feet with a 60 feet spread in cultivation. Ginkgo trees in their natural habitat assume greater heights. The tree has a medium to slow growth rate. Male trees are taller than the female trees. The female trees bloom with pendulous, inconspicuous flowers, and the males bear catkins in early spring. The female flowers are followed by edible, plum-like, 1-inch yellowish-pink fruit.

Form

• Ginkgo has an upright, columnar form and is not densely branched. Younger trees have an open growth habit but gradually grow oval to upright with age. The tree often gets highly irregular in form. The female trees are generally more spreading in form as compared to the taller male trees. The bark is deeply furrowed and ridged with a brown to gray color and a diameter or 3 or more feet.

Cultural Requirements

• Plant the tree in an area of full to partial sun for best growth. Ginkgo adapts well to a range of soil types including compacted and poorly fertile ground but prefers a moist and deep sand. The tree is highly tolerant of urban conditions such as air pollution, salt spray and drought. Ginkgo is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 4 to 9 and is easily propagated with softwood cuttings or seed.