Ginkgo

Scientific Nomenclature: Ginkgo biloba

Common Names: Ginkgo, maidenhair tree

Mature Height: 50–80 feet

Mature Spread: 30–40 feet

Growth Rate: Moderate

Attracts Wildlife: Ginkgo biloba is a "living fossil", with it being found in fossils from as far back as 270 million years ago. While its unpleasant smelling fruits may have once attracted wildlife to help disperse the seeds contained within, its thought that its pollinators and predators are now extinct. You may occasionally find some small mammals snacking on one of the seeds though, as they do contain significant amounts of nutrients.

Messiness: Leaves turn yellow and drop in autumn. Small plum-like, yellow-orange seeds are produced and drop in autumn as well. The outer fleshy pulp of the seed is unpleasant-smelling when ripe, leading most planted ginkgoes to be male.

Shape: Pyramidal

Native to Kentucky: No

Preferred Soils: Ginkgo are tolerant of a wide variety of soil conditions. They prefer moist, well-drained acidic (<6.0pH) loam soils but tolerate both occasionally wet and occasionally dry soils. They are tolerant of neutral (6.0–8.0pH) and alkaline (>8.0pH) soils as well and are tolerant of clays and sandy soils on occasion.

Screening: Not used as a screening or privacy tree.

Drought Tolerance: Is tolerant of drought, heat and urban conditions.

Coniferous or Deciduous: Deciduous

Pruning: Does not require any regular pruning other than the removal of deadwood or damaged branches to keep the tree at its healthiest.

Following being planted as a sapling, over 20 years one ginkgo will:

• Sequester ~140 pounds of CO2.
• Reduce stormwater runoff by 200 gallons.