Ginkgo Ginkgo biloba 'Autumn Gold' (m)
ABOUT
Ginkgo biloba 'Autumn Gold' is a cultivar known for its distinctive fan-shaped foliage. The leaves are initially a rich, bright green color throughout the spring and summer months, creating a lush canopy. As the name suggests, this plant undergoes a stunning transformation in the fall. The foliage turns a brilliant golden-yellow color, providing a striking contrast against the often grey and cooling landscape of autumn. Its leaves are unique among trees, almost appearing like two lobes that are joined together, hence the fan-like look. The leaves are arranged in clusters on the branches, which emanate from the plant's sturdy, thick trunk. In addition to its striking foliage, the Ginkgo biloba 'Autumn Gold' is also known for its resilience and adaptability, easily withstanding urban environments and different soil conditions. The bark of the tree is typically furrowed and has a rugged texture, giving it a very natural and robust appearance. It is a dioecious plant, meaning that there are separate male and female plants; the 'Autumn Gold' selection is a male form, which is typically preferred for planting since it does not produce the messy fruits that are characteristic of female ginkgoes. This cultivar has a symmetrical, broadly pyramidal to oval crown, giving it a well-structured look in the landscape. Overall, the appearance of the Ginkgo biloba 'Autumn Gold' is one of stately beauty, particularly noted for its vivid fall coloration and distinctive leaf shape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ginkgoaceae.
Synonyms
Maidenhair Tree, Ginkgo.
Common names
Salisburia adiantifolia, Pterophyllus salisburiensis, Ginkgo macrophylla.
ToxicityTo humans
Ginkgo, particularly Ginkgo biloba 'Autumn Gold', is generally not considered highly toxic to humans. The main concern involves the seeds. When consumed in large quantities, the seeds can be toxic and may lead to symptoms like gastrointestinal discomfort, headache, dizziness, or allergic skin reactions. More serious side effects like seizures have been recorded in cases of extreme ingestion, but this is quite rare. The leaves of Ginkgo biloba 'Autumn Gold' are not typically associated with serious toxicity when ingested.
To pets
Ginkgo, largely known by its species Ginkgo biloba, is regarded as having low toxicity to pets. The plant, including the 'Autumn Gold' male variant, produces leaves and seeds that pets might ingest. While the leaves are generally considered safe, the seeds or nuts might pose a risk if consumed in large amounts. Symptoms from ingesting the seeds may include gastrointestinal upset or possibly skin irritation. However, significant toxicity is unusual in pets such as dogs and cats due to Ginkgo ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Height
35 feet (10.67 meters)
Spread
25 feet (7.62 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Drought Tolerance: Ginkgo biloba 'Autumn Gold' is capable of withstanding periods of low water availability once established.
- Heat Resistance: It has the ability to tolerate high temperatures, making it suitable for urban environments and warmer climates.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal pruning and upkeep once it's established, making it an easy tree to take care of for most gardeners.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides vibrant yellow autumn foliage, offering aesthetic value and seasonal interest in landscapes.
- Hardiness: It has a high resistance to many pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Pollution Tolerance: Capable of withstanding urban pollution, making it a good choice for city plantings.
- Soil Adaptability: Adapts to a wide range of soil types, including acidic, alkaline, loamy, sandy, and clay soils.
- Longevity: Ginkgo trees are known for their long lifespan, often living for hundreds of years in ideal conditions.
- Historical Significance: The species is considered a living fossil, with a history stretching back over 200 million years.
- Wildlife Support: Can provide food for wildlife such as birds, due to its fruit-like seeds (for female trees, though 'Autumn Gold' is a male cultivar).
Medical Properties- Circulatory Support: May aid in improving blood flow and reducing blood vessel damage.
- Antioxidant Activity: Contains flavonoids and terpenoids with potential antioxidant properties which may protect the cells from oxidative damage.
- Cognitive Function: Used to possibly enhance memory and cognitive functions, particularly in those with Alzheimer’s disease or other cognitive impairments.
- Anti-inflammatory Effects: May help in reducing inflammation in various parts of the body.
- Anxiety Reduction: Some studies suggest it may have the potential to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
- Eye Health: Potentially beneficial for promoting eye health and treating some visual disorders.
- Migraine Prevention: Anecdotal evidence suggests a possible role in reducing the frequency or intensity of migraines.
- Menstrual Pain Relief: Some applications in traditional medicine for alleviating menstrual pain.
- Tinnitus Treatment: Might be useful in relieving tinnitus or ringing in the ears, although the evidence is mixed.
- Raynaud's Syndrome: Thought to help manage symptoms of Raynaud's syndrome by improving blood circulation.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ginkgo nuts, produced by female trees, are considered edible when cooked and are used in various Asian dishes and traditional ceremonies.
- The leaves of Ginkgo can be used to create a natural dye, imparting a yellow or green color to fabrics.
- In Bonsai culture, Ginkgo is a popular choice for its resilience and distinctive fan-shaped foliage.
- Ginkgo wood, though not commonly used commercially due to its rarity, can be crafted into artisanal woodwork or furniture.
- The distinct leaf shape of Ginkgo is sometimes used as a motif in jewelry designs, symbolizing longevity and resilience.
- Landscapers use the 'Autumn Gold' cultivar as a reliable source of bright gold fall foliage in urban and garden settings.
- In art and photography, the unique shape and autumn color of Ginkgo leaves are often captured for their aesthetic appeal.
- Cultural and historical significance makes Ginkgo trees desirable as living fossils for educational and conservational purposes.
- Ginkgo leaf extracts are occasionally incorporated into cosmetics and skincare products for their antioxidant properties.
- Ginkgo sap or resin can be used for its binding properties in certain traditional practices, though this is a less common use.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Ginkgo tree is not commonly referenced in Feng Shui practice; however, as a tree known for its longevity and resilience, it could be used to symbolize health, endurance, and vitality within a space. Placing the Ginkgo in the East sector of a garden or property could potentially foster good health and family harmony according to the Bagua map.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Ginkgo tree is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity: Ginkgo trees can live for a very long time, with some specimens being thought to be over 2,500 years old. This makes them a symbol of endurance and the ability to withstand the test of time.
- Resilience: Ginkgo biloba is known for its ability to survive harsh conditions and has even been found growing near the site of the Hiroshima nuclear bombing in Japan. This resilience makes it a symbol of hope and the ability to survive and thrive through adversity.
- Peace: Due to its history of surviving the bombing of Hiroshima without significant damage, the Ginkgo is often seen as an emblem of peace and an advocate for living a life free of conflict.
- Memory: Due to ginkgo's association with improved cognitive function and its use in traditional medicine to help memory, it is symbolic of mental sharpness and the preservation of memory.
- Duality: The leaves of the Ginkgo are often bifurcated, creating a shape that symbolizes the concept of duality and union of opposites, in the same way yin and yang do in Eastern philosophies.
WaterThe Maidenhair Tree requires consistent moisture, especially when it is young or newly transplanted. Mature trees are relatively drought-tolerant. It's important to water deeply and thoroughly, aiming for the water to reach the root zone. A good practice is to provide about 1-2 inches of water per week, either through rainfall or manual watering. During hot or dry spells, you may need to water twice a week, ensuring you apply approximately 1.5-3 gallons for each watering session depending on the size of the tree and the weather conditions.
LightThe Maidenhair Tree thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It should be planted in a location that receives at least four to six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimum growth and development. This tree is quite adaptable, but its growth may be stunted and foliage may not develop well if light conditions are too low.
TemperatureThe Maidenhair Tree is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from -30°F to 100°F. However, the ideal temperature range for this tree is between 50°F and 85°F. It is critical to protect young trees from extreme cold.
PruningPruning of the Maidenhair Tree is mainly to remove any dead or damaged branches and to shape the tree, especially when young. The best time to prune is late winter or early spring before the leaves appear. Pruning should be done sparingly as the tree has a naturally attractive shape; annually checking and removing any undesirable growth is sufficient.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Maidenhair Tree is one that is well-draining, with a mix of loamy soil and sand or perlite. The ideal soil pH for the Maidenhair Tree is between 6.0 and 7.5, which is slightly acidic to neutral. Adding organic matter like compost can enhance soil fertility and structure.
RepottingThe Maidenhair Tree should be repotted every 3 to 5 years or when it has outgrown its current container. Younger trees may require more frequent repotting, while mature trees are generally repotted less often.
Humidity & MistingThe Maidenhair Tree is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not require any special humidity conditions. It thrives in both low and high humidity environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleGinkgo biloba 'Autumn Gold', commonly known as the maidenhair tree, begins its life cycle when a seed germinates, typically requiring exposure to light and fluctuating temperatures to break dormancy. The seedling emerges and develops into a young tree, establishing a deep taproot and beginning to grow its distinctive fan-shaped leaves. As the tree matures, it enters into a long juvenile period, which can last for several decades, before becoming reproductively mature. The 'Autumn Gold' cultivar, being male, will then produce pollen cones but no fruits, releasing pollen into the air to fertilize female trees. Over the years, the tree experiences seasonal growth cycles, marked by the golden color of its leaves in the fall, followed by leaf drop in winter. It can live for a remarkably long period, with some individuals reaching over a thousand years of age.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter to early spring
Ginkgo biloba 'Autumn Gold', commonly known as the male ginkgo or maidenhair tree, is often propagated through grafting. This method is popular for ensuring that the desirable male characteristics of 'Autumn Gold' are preserved. Grafting typically takes place in late winter or early spring before the trees break dormancy. This involves taking a scion, which is a young shoot or bud from the 'Autumn Gold' variety, and joining it to the rootstock of a standard ginkgo biloba tree. The scion is usually gathered when the tree is dormant and kept in moist conditions until grafting. For a successful graft, the vascular cambium layers of both the scion and the rootstock must be aligned to facilitate the transport of nutrients and water. The grafted area is then wrapped securely to keep the graft union intact and to prevent drying out.
