Ginkgo Biloba

All About Ginkgo Biloba Trees

Ginkgo Biloba Trees grow to a height of 25 to 50 feet. At maturity, their spread is 25 to 35 feet. They grow at a rate of 15 to 24 inches per year. The trees can grow in hardiness zones 3 to 8. They do not grow very well in hot, dry climates. However, they can tolerate moderate wetness and drought. The trees grow in soils that are alkaline, acidic, moist, silty loam, wet, well-drained, sandy, and clay. The trees transplant easily and establish themselves easily. They are a great option for urban settings, since they are hardy against air pollution, soil salts and heat. They can withstand wind and snow.

The trees love partial sun and full shade. The trees thrive when they have around four hours of unfiltered, direct sunlight.

Ginkgo Trees Are Slow Growers

The trees have bright green, fan shaped leaves that are 2 to 3 inches long and wide. In the fall, the leaves turn yellow. The trees grow in a pyramidal shape. People consider Ginkgo trees to be shade trees and ornamental trees. The trees grow, spreading canopies that are able to block out sunlight. They can live for as long as three thousand years, though they grow slowly for several years after they are planted.

Fun facts about Ginkgo Biloba Trees

270 million year old leaf fossils from these trees were found.

People tend to prefer to grow the male trees. Female trees produce fruit that is smelly and slippery.

The few living things to have survived the bomb in Hiroshima in 1945 were six of these trees. They were situated near the blast center, though they lived on and produced buds without deformations. They are currently still alive today.

They are quite rare, and you'll hardly ever run across them in landscapes or in the wild.