Maidenhair tree 'Beijing Gold' Ginkgo biloba 'Beijing Gold'
ABOUT
'Beijing Gold' is a deciduous large shrub or small tree to 4m tall and wide. Its fan-shaped leaves open a golden-yellow colour in spring before darkening to green with white-striped variegation in mid to late summer, finally turning a clear yellow in autumn before falling
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ginkgoaceae
Synonyms
Maidenhair Tree, Ginkgo, Fossil Tree
Common names
Ginkgo biloba 'Beijing Gold'.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Mixed
Height
35 feet (10.67 meters)
Spread
30 feet (9.14 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Interest: Ginkgo biloba 'Beijing Gold' offers visual appeal with its unique fan-shaped golden foliage and distinct, picturesque form.
- Seasonal Color: Its leaves turn a bright yellow in autumn, creating striking seasonal interest in landscapes and gardens.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is known for its tolerance to drought, requiring minimal watering under normal conditions.
- Cold Resistance: This cultivar is hardy and can withstand cold temperatures, making it suitable for a variety of climates.
- Urban Tolerance: It fares well in urban environments, coping with pollution and confined soil spaces, which makes it a good choice for city planting and street trees.
- Low Maintenance: Requires very little ongoing maintenance once established, making it a user-friendly choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Pest and Disease Resistance: The species is generally resistant to many pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Longevity: Ginkgo trees are known for their long lifespans, often living for hundreds of years, which makes them heritage trees for successive generations to enjoy.
- Wildlife Support: While not its primary purpose, the tree can provide habitat and support for wildlife such as birds and insects.
- Soil Adaptability: It can adapt to a wide range of soil types, although it prefers well-drained soils.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant effects: Contains flavonoids and terpenoids that may help in protecting cells from oxidative damage.
- Cerebral vasodilation: May improve blood flow to the brain, potentially beneficial for cognitive function and conditions affecting cerebral blood flow.
- Neuroprotection: Ginkgo extracts have been studied for potential protective effects against neuronal damage and age-related cognitive decline.
- Memory enhancement: Some evidence suggests ginkgo may improve cognitive function and enhance memory in healthy individuals as well as those with cognitive impairment.
- Anxiety and depression: Limited studies indicate potential benefits in alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- Improving symptoms of dementia: While some studies suggest a beneficial effect on symptoms of dementia, the results are mixed and more research is needed.
- Tinnitus relief: There is some evidence that ginkgo might help reduce the symptoms of tinnitus, although the results of studies are inconclusive.
- Eye health: May have a positive effect on eye health and help in treating some visual disorders by improving blood flow.
- Peripheral arterial disease: Ginkgo supplements are sometimes used for treating symptoms of claudication or poor circulation in the legs.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artisanal Crafts: Ginkgo leaves, including those of the 'Maidenhair tree', can be preserved and used in crafting, such as for creating bookmarks or inlaid within clear coasters.
- Baking Decorations: The unique fan-shaped leaves can be used as stencils to dust patterns onto cakes and pastries with powdered sugar or cocoa.
- Fabric Dyeing: The golden leaves of the 'Maidenhair tree' can be used in natural dye processes, imparting a gentle yellow hue to fabrics.
- Botanical Prints: The leaves and nuts can be used to create detailed botanical prints on paper, ideal for stationery or fine art.
- Photography Projects: Ginkgo's distinct foliage and vibrant coloration make it an excellent subject for macro photography and seasonal outdoor portfolios.
- Garden Design: The 'Maidenhair tree' is used as a central feature in garden designs, not just for its beauty but also as a natural shade provider.
- Educational Tools: Schools and educators use the tree to teach students about prehistoric plants, as Ginkgo is a living fossil.
- Culinary Garnish: The young leaves of the Ginkgo can be used as a delicate garnish for fine dining dishes, adding a touch of elegance.
- Leaf Casting: Ginkgo leaves can be used in plaster or cement leaf casting to create decorative items or stepping stones for gardens.
- Winter Gardens: The 'Maidenhair tree', with its golden autumn foliage, is planted in winter gardens to provide a stark contrast against the snow.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Ginkgo tree is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Ginkgo tree is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity: The ginkgo tree has a long lifespan, some living for more than a thousand years, making it a symbol of endurance and vitality.
- Resilience: Ginkgo biloba survived the atomic bomb in Hiroshima, symbolizing its incredible resilience and ability to thrive despite adversity.
- Hope: Its resistance to pollution and its ability to sprout after destruction is often seen as a sign of hope and rebirth.
- Love: In Eastern cultures, the ginkgo is sometimes seen as a symbol of love and duality, as the leaves can be bi-lobed, representing two halves of a whole.
- Memory: Ginkgo is believed to enhance memory and brain function, symbolizing mental clarity and improved cognitive abilities.
- Peace: Because of its historical presence in temple gardens and its serene appearance, the ginkgo can represent tranquility and peace.
WaterFor the Maidenhair Tree, establish a regular watering schedule during its first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Watering can be reduced once the tree is established. During the first season, as a guideline, water young trees weekly with about 5 to 10 gallons, depending on the weather conditions. Once established, they are quite drought-tolerant and may only require extra watering during extended periods of drought. It's crucial not to over-water, as Ginkgo trees do not like soggy soil.
LightThe Maidenhair Tree thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. Choose an area that receives at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, although more sun exposure is tolerated and will promote better leaf coloration and form. It's adaptable but ideally should be shielded from harsh afternoon sun in extremely hot climates to prevent leaf scorch.
TemperatureThe Maidenhair Tree can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from winter coldness down to about -30°F to summer heat up to around 100°F. The ideal growing temperatures are between 50°F and 85°F. It is a very hardy species that can survive temperature extremes, which makes it suitable for a variety of climates.
PruningPrune the Maidenhair Tree to shape it and remove any damaged or diseased branches. The best time for pruning is in the late winter or early spring before the new growth starts. Regular pruning is not required for these trees, but it can help maintain a tidy appearance and improve air circulation through the branches.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Ginkgo or Maidenhair Tree thrives best in well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 5.5 and 7.5. A mixture of loamy soil, coarse sand, and perlite or pine bark will ensure proper drainage and aeration. Regular garden soil amended with organic matter can also support healthy growth.
RepottingMaidenhair Trees are relatively slow-growing and do not need to be repotted frequently. Young trees can benefit from repotting every two to three years to encourage growth, while mature trees may only need repotting every four to five years if at all.
Humidity & MistingMaidenhair Trees are adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels and do not require specific humidity conditions. They are tolerant of both low and high humidity environments, making them suitable for varied outdoor climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and allow space for growth.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade, shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA.
Life cycleGinkgo biloba 'Beijing Gold', commonly known as the Maidenhair Tree, starts its life as a seed, which germinates in moist soil conditions to produce a small sapling. As a juvenile, the sapling grows relatively slowly and can take several years to establish a strong root system and trunk. Once mature, the tree enters a long-lived adult phase, characterized by robust growth, reaching heights of up to 50 feet or more, with distinctive fan-shaped, golden-yellow leaves. It may take 20-35 years before it begins to reproduce, producing separate male and female flowers on different trees; the males in catkin-like structures and the females yielding ovules that, if fertilized, develop into seeds with a fleshy outer layer. After fertilization, these seeds drop to the ground, where they can be dispersed to produce new trees. The tree can live for hundreds of years, with some specimens thought to be over a thousand years old, continuing to reproduce throughout its lifespan.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
Propogation: The Ginkgo biloba 'Beijing Gold', commonly referred to as the Maidenhair Tree, is often propagated by seed as it allows the preservation of varietal characteristics. To propagate by seed, collect the seeds in the fall once they have fallen to the ground, ensuring that you wear gloves due to the unpleasant odor and potential skin irritation from the seed pulp. Clean the seeds by removing the fleshy outer layer, and then stratify them through cold treatment in moist sand or peat moss in a refrigerator for two to three months. After stratification, plant the seeds in a well-draining soil mix, placing them at a depth of about 1 inch (2.54 cm) deep, and keep them in a warm, bright environment. Germination may take several weeks to a few months. Once seedlings have developed true leaves and are of a sufficient size, they can be transplanted into individual pots or into their desired location in the garden.