Ginkgo

Description

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is a living fossil that has been on Earth for over 200 million years. It is the only surviving member of the Ginkgoaceae family and is native to China. Ginkgo has a unique fan-shaped leaf that turns a beautiful golden-yellow color in the fall. It is prized for its ornamental value and medicinal properties.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Ginkgo has a unique fan-shaped leaf that is light green in the summer and turns a beautiful golden-yellow color in the fall. The leaves can grow up to 5 inches long and 4 inches wide. The tree also has a distinctive gray bark that peels away in thin strips. Ginkgo can grow up to 100 feet tall, but most cultivated trees are smaller than that.

Care Guide

Ginkgo is a hardy tree that can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions and climates. Here are some tips for caring for your Ginkgo:

• Water: Ginkgo prefers well-drained soil but can tolerate periods of drought. Water deeply once a week during the growing season.
• Fertilization: Fertilize once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
• Soil: Ginkgo prefers slightly acidic, well-drained soil. Amend heavy clay soil with compost or sand.
• Sunlight: Ginkgo prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade.
• Hardiness Zones: Ginkgo can grow in USDA hardiness zones 3-8.

Common Pests & Diseases

Ginkgo is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be affected by:

• Aphids: Tiny insects that suck sap from the leaves. Use insecticidal soap to control.
• Scale insects: Small, immobile insects that attach themselves to the bark and suck sap. Use horticultural oil to control.
• Ginkgo gall: A fungal disease that causes abnormal growths on the leaves. Prune affected branches and destroy them.

Habitat

Ginkgo is native to China, but it has been widely cultivated around the world. It can grow in a wide range of soil conditions and climates, from hot and dry to cold and wet. Ginkgo is commonly used as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens.

Question and Answer

Q: Can I grow Ginkgo in a container?

A: Yes, Ginkgo can be grown in a container, but it will require frequent watering and fertilizing.

Q: Is Ginkgo a deciduous tree?

A: Yes, Ginkgo is a deciduous tree that loses its leaves in the fall.

Q: Can I eat Ginkgo nuts?

A: Yes, Ginkgo nuts are edible, but they must be cooked properly to remove toxins.

Q: Does Ginkgo have any medicinal properties?

A: Yes, Ginkgo is used in traditional Chinese medicine to improve cognitive function and circulation.

Related Plants

• Conifers
• Maples
• Oaks
• Willows

References

• “Ginkgo biloba.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed October 2021. www.missouribotanicalgarden.org.
• “Ginkgo biloba.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed October 2021. www.rhs.org.uk.
• “Ginkgo biloba.” University of Florida IFAS Extension. Accessed October 2021. edis.ifas.ufl.edu.