Common
Name: Ginkgo and The Maidenhair TreeScientific Name: Ginkgo biloba
Family: Ginkgoacease
This Tree in Colorado: The Ginkgo (misspelled gingko) is a very unique tree. It is a “living fossil”, being one of the oldest trees around. Its origin dates back more than 170 million years ago when the dinosaurs roamed. The tree is a gymnosperm meaning the seed is not in an ovary. Gymnosperms include the pines, spruces and cedars which have needle or scale like leaves. This tree is the only species of the Ginkgoacease family remaining. Once widespread in Europe and North America, most died out during the Ice Age. Surviving trees were found in China. If it were not for their preservation by Buddhist Monks, the trees would likely have gone extinct. None exist in a wild state.
The tree was rediscovered in 1691 and was brought to this country 1784. It now found throughout the United States. They can be found in towns throughout Colorado. The State Champion tree is in Canyon City. It is 25” in diameter and 65 feet tall. They also can be found thought the world. In Santiago Chile they are found as street trees in the downtown area and doing very well..
The
tree tolerates and survives almost all adverse conditions including drought,
heat, air pollution, ice storms and poor soils. It is virtually free of
insects, and diseases.There is one negative feature to this wonderful tree. The fruit has a disgusting and rancid smell. Some call it a stink-bomb tree. You do not want to have a female tree!
Growth Rate, Form and Size: Moderate growth but slow at first until becoming established; 12-18” leader growth per year. In youth the tree is gawky looking. Pyramidal and columnar in form with spreading branches that are sparsely branched. Mature height 50-65” and a 25-35’ spread but some trees u
p
to 75’ wide.Landscape Values: An excellent tree that grows well in confined spaces. It is a good specimen or focal point tree to have in a yard and is commonly used as a street tree.. It is tolerant of poor soils and air pollution which makes it highly suitable for urban areas. It is also resistance to snow and ice damage. It is long lived
Flower and Fruit: The flowers are inconspicuous and the fruit is ¾ -1/1/2 “ and tan in color. Due to an obnoxious odor of the fruit, only the male tree should be planted. Trees are propagated by cuttings from male cultivars.
Foliage: Unique fan shaped and ribbed leaf with dent on the end. They are up to 3 inches wide and have a 3 inch petiole. The species name biloba means two lobbed. Leaves are a lighter green in the summer turning an attractive bright yellow in the fall. They flutter in the wind like quaking aspen.
Bark: The trunk is light brown to grayish brown, deeply furrowed and highly ridged. Again, it is unique when compared to most other trees.
Information and Reference Sources:
Lots of sites on the web.
National Arbor Day Foundation
Steve Nix: About.com Forestry Tree help