Ginkgo
ginkgo biloba
Also known as: ["Maidenhair Tree","Fossil Tree"]
Overview
An ancient deciduous tree species known for its distinctive fan-shaped leaves and resilience.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","disease resistant","cold hardy","medicinal use","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Ginkgophyta |
| Class: | Ginkgopsida |
| Order: | Ginkgoales |
| Family: | Ginkgoaceae |
| Genus: | Ginkgo |
| Botanical Name: | Ginkgo biloba |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden, tolerates urban environments
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: moderate
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–30–40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to moderate-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; tolerates poor soils but thrives with good drainage.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if necessary.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates shade but thrives with more light.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate to challenging
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; avoid direct sun on leaves.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Adaptable, but prefers slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter for better growth.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 3–8; tolerates temperatures from -30°C to 40°C; prefers cool winters and warm summers.
Protect from frost; ensure good air circulation; adjust watering with temperature changes.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize in early spring; dilute liquid fertilizer to half strength; avoid fertilizing stressed plants.
Propagation
Methods
Seed or grafting; cuttings are less common and difficult.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Prepare medium, plant seeds or graft, maintain humidity, provide warmth, monitor growth.
Best Time: Spring or early summer for seeds; grafting can be done in late winter or early spring.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions for seeds; shaded, protected environment for grafting.
Medium
Well-draining seed starting mix for seeds; grafting requires a compatible rootstock.
Hormone
Not typically needed for seeds; rooting hormone may help with cuttings if attempted.
Timeline
Seeds may take 2–3 years to germinate and establish; grafting can produce a mature plant in 1–2 years.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, grafting knife, rooting hormone (optional), humidity dome, heat mat.
Quick Tips
Use fresh seeds for best germination; ensure graft union is secure; maintain consistent moisture.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the canopy; heading cuts to control size; selective removal of weak or crossing branches.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead/diseased branches, and encourage healthy growth.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune during dormancy, remove dead/diseased wood, shape the canopy.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–5 cm (1–2 inches) in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, use fresh well-draining soil, ensure proper drainage.
Suggestions
Repot only when necessary, typically every 3–5 years or if root-bound.
Checklist
Check root boundness, prepare new pot, trim roots, use fresh soil, water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or organic matter for fertility; use perlite or sand for drainage; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat; yellowing or browning in cold stress; stunted growth in extreme conditions.
Cold Stress
Leaves may drop or turn yellow; growth slows; roots can be damaged in prolonged freezing conditions.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect from harsh winds; avoid overwatering in cold weather.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; growth slows; increased susceptibility to pests.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check soil nutrients, use appropriate fertilizer, apply at correct time, avoid runoff.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring; avoid over-fertilizing; reduce or stop in late summer/autumn.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats are also susceptible to ginkgotoxin poisoning if they consume large quantities of ginkgo seeds or unripe fruits. The leaves and extract are generally safe for cats when used appropriately.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Dogs
Slightly ToxicSimilar to humans, ingestion of large amounts of ginkgo seeds or unripe fruits by dogs can lead to neurological symptoms due to ginkgotoxin. The leaves and extract are generally safe when used as directed.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Humans
Slightly ToxicGinkgo biloba seeds and unripe fruits contain ginkgotoxin (4'-O-methylpyridoxine), a compound that interferes with pyridoxine (vitamin B6) metabolism, leading to neurological effects. The leaves and extract are generally considered safe for consumption.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Ginkgo biloba suitable for urban environments?
A: Yes, it is highly tolerant of urban pollution and compacted soil, making it ideal for city landscapes.
Q: Are the seeds of Ginkgo biloba edible?
A: The seeds are edible when cooked but should be handled with care due to their toxicity in raw form.
Q: Does Ginkgo biloba require full sun?
A: It thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Ginkgoaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store