Only one species of Ginkgo exists: a deciduous, dioecious tree from southern China that is extinct in the wild. Its relatives grew on Earth up to 150 million years ago. Male flowers are more conspicuous than female ones. The fan-shaped leaves are yellowish green and turn golden in the fall, lasting for several weeks. Ginkgo tolerates pollution, making it a good urban tree.
Noteworthy CharacteristicsExtinct in the wild. Fan-shaped leaves with yellow fall color. The decaying fruit of the female tree has a very unpleasant smell.
CareTolerates most any fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Prune when dormant.
PropagationWhen seeds are ripe, sow them in an open frame. Take semi-ripe cuttings in summer. Plants can also be grafted in winter.
ProblemsRoot rots, lesion nematodes, mealybugs, and fungal leaf spots sometimes affect plants.
