Ginkgo or Maidenhair Tree

Ginkgo or maidenhair tree (Ginkgo biloba) is a large deciduous tree remarkable for its ancient history, longevity and fan-shaped leaves. Its crown, initially conical to pyramidal, becomes wider and more irregular with age. The green foliage turns a luminous golden yellow in autumn, often before a rapid and almost simultaneous shedding of the leaves. In Quebec, expect it to reach about 20 to 25 m in height by 8 m in width (66 to 82 ft × 26 ft). Its slow growth and mature size make it a sustainable choice for a large plot, a park or a wide alignment.

Plant ginkgo in full sun in deep, well-drained soil. It adapts to clay, loam or sand as well as to acidic, neutral or alkaline reactions, but does not tolerate standing water. Hardy in Zone 4, it tolerates heat, urban pollution, salt and moderate drought after establishment. Water deeply during the first few years and protect the root zone with 5 to 8 cm of mulch kept away from the trunk. Keep the root collar visible and, when planting, reserve all its adult space, away from wires, buildings, pipes and small paved areas.

Ginkgo biloba is dioecious: male and female trees are separate. A plant sold without a named male cultivar can remain of unknown sex for many years. When mature, a pollinated female can produce yellow seeds surrounded by a fleshy envelope whose odor becomes strong when it falls and decomposes. Raw or poorly prepared seeds can be harmful; do not consume them and prevent animals from accessing them. Pruning is rarely necessary. In late winter, remove only dead wood and poorly structured branches. A generous planting allows this very long-lived large tree to develop its silhouette without repeated interventions.