Maidenhair Tree Ginkgo biloba 'Fastigiata Blagon'
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ABOUT
The Ginkgo biloba 'Fastigiata Blagon', commonly known as the Maidenhair Tree, has a distinctive and attractive appearance. It is characterized by its fan-shaped leaves that are a bright green color, which turn to a stunning, golden yellow in the fall, providing a striking visual display. The leaves are uniquely split, almost resembling butterfly wings, and their delicate, veined pattern is reminiscent of the maidenhair fern, hence its common name. The plant's branch structure is upright and columnar, creating a dense, narrow form that resembles a spire. This tidy and upright growth habit makes it a popular choice for urban and formal landscapes. The bark of this tree is usually light grey, deeply furrowed, and textured adding to its visual interest. As a cultivar of the ancient Ginkgo tree, 'Fastigiata Blagon' carries the same historic charm that these trees are known for. The fruit produced by female trees is small and rounded with a fleshy outer layer, but it is worth noting that their scent when squashed is often regarded as unpleasant. Therefore, male trees are often preferred in landscape plantings due to the lack of fruit. Overall, the Maidenhair Tree 'Fastigiata Blagon' is a valuable landscape plant for its columnar form, exceptional leaf color, and resilience, making it a pleasing choice for many garden and landscape designs.
About this plant
Names
Family
Ginkgoaceae
Synonyms
French Ginkgo, Columnar Maidenhair Tree, Ginkgo 'Blagon'
Common names
Ginkgo biloba 'Fastigiata Blagon'.
Toxicity
To humans
The common name for Ginkgo biloba 'Fastigiata Blagon' is just Ginkgo. Ginkgo seeds, if consumed in large quantities or over a long period of time, can be toxic to humans. They contain ginkgotoxin, which can cause symptoms such as irritability, seizures, or loss of consciousness. Additionally, the seeds contain 4'-O-methylpyridoxine, which can lead to vitamin B6 deficiency, potentially resulting in skin disorders, changes in mood, and peripheral neuropathy. Children and individuals with a history of seizures or allergy to ginkgo products should be especially cautious.
To pets
For pets, specifically cats and dogs, Ginkgo biloba is considered to have low toxicity. The primary concern would be if a pet ingests a significant amount of the seeds, which contain ginkgotoxin. This could potentially cause similar symptoms in pets as in humans, such as gastrointestinal upset, irritability, or seizures in extreme cases. However, pets are less likely to consume large amounts of these seeds, and serious cases of poisoning are rare. Pet owners should still be cautious and prevent pets from eating large quantities of ginkgo seeds.
Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Height
40 feet (12 meters)
Spread
10 feet (3 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits
- Ornamental value: Ginkgo biloba, commonly known as the maidenhair tree, has a distinctive, fan-shaped foliage and an attractive, columnar growth habit, particularly in the 'Fastigiata Blagon' cultivar.
- Seasonal color: Experience striking seasonal color changes as the leaves turn a bright, golden yellow in the fall, adding aesthetic appeal to landscapes.
- Drought resistance: Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant, requiring minimal irrigation under normal weather conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Landscape versatility: The compact and upright form of 'Fastigiata Blagon' makes it well-suited for urban landscapes, narrow streets, and spaces where lateral growth is limited.
- Longevity: These trees are known to live for hundreds, sometimes even thousands of years, providing a long-term presence in gardens and urban environments.
- History and heritage: Ginkgo biloba is considered a living fossil, having no close living relatives, and is revered for its ancient lineage and cultural significance.
- Low maintenance: Requires minimal pruning and care once established, making it an excellent choice for both professional landscapes and home gardens.
- Pest and disease resistance: Generally resistant to many pests and diseases that commonly affect other trees, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Wildlife support: Although not a major source of food for wildlife, it provides habitat for birds and insects, contributing to local biodiversity.
- Tolerance of urban conditions: Thrives in urban settings, tolerating pollution, and compacted soil, which is particularly important for city planting schemes.
- Non-invasive roots: The root system is usually non-invasive, making it safer to plant near sidewalks, foundations, and underground utilities compared to trees with aggressive roots.
Medical Properties
- Improves blood circulation: Ginkgo biloba is known to enhance cerebral circulation and reduce symptoms of peripheral artery disease.
- Neuroprotective effects: It may help protect nerve cells, which can be beneficial in conditions like Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
- Antioxidant properties: Contains flavonoids and terpenoids that have strong antioxidant effects, reducing damage from free radicals.
- Anxiety and depression: Some studies suggest it has a beneficial impact on mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
- Eye health: It's used to combat glaucoma and macular degeneration due to its circulatory benefits and antioxidative properties.
- Tinnitus treatment: There is anecdotal evidence that suggests it might help with tinnitus, although scientific support is mixed.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Ginkgo biloba 'Fastigiata Blagon' leaves can be used as a natural dye, imparting a rich yellow or green color to fabrics and wool.
- The wood from Ginkgo trees is often utilized in the making of furniture or woodworking projects due to its attractive grain and good workability.
- The durable, yet pliable, leaves of Ginkgo can be incorporated into floral arrangements to add a unique and lasting green element.
- Enthusiasts of bonsai cultivation sometimes use Ginkgo for creating living art due to their characteristic foliage and adaptability to pruning.
- Due to its resistance to pests and diseases, Ginkgo is sometimes planted for urban forestry, providing robust street trees that require minimal maintenance.
- In culinary arts, the young leaves of Ginkgo can be used to wrap foods, similar to grape leaves, for a touch of earthy flavor.
- Artists may use Ginkgo leaves to create botanical prints, where the distinctive leaf shape creates appealing patterns on paper or fabric.
- Ginkgo nuts, which are edible when cooked properly, are sometimes used in elaborate garden-themed confections or as an ingredient in gourmet dishes.
- The fan-shaped leaves are a symbol of longevity and resilience, and are often used in cultural and religious festivals or ceremonies.
- Because of its unique morphology, Ginkgo is widely used in landscape photography and to teach botanical illustration and plant morphology.
Interesting Facts
Feng Shui
The Ginkgo tree is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Ginkgo tree is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Longevity: The Ginkgo tree, often simply referred to as Ginkgo, is one of the oldest living tree species, with a lifespan that can extend over a thousand years, symbolizing endurance and the ability to withstand the test of time.
- Resilience: Ginkgo trees are incredibly resilient, having survived the bombing of Hiroshima. They represent the ability to persevere and thrive even in the face of significant adversity.
- Hope: With its remarkable resilience and endurance, the Ginkgo is seen as a symbol of hope and a reminder that one can survive through difficult conditions.
- Peace: The tree's longevity and survival from ancient times until now make it a symbol of peace, conveying a sense of continuity and tranquility.
- Duality: Ginkgo leaves are bifurcated, representing the concept of duality in nature, such as yin and yang, and thus are often seen as a symbol of balance and harmony.
- Memory: Due to the Ginkgo's association with improving cognitive function and memory (owing to its medicinal properties), it has become a symbol for memory and mental clarity.
Water
For the Maidenhair Tree, it's important to establish a regular watering schedule. Newly planted trees should be watered deeply once a week, with an amount of about 10-15 gallons, to help establish roots. During the growing season, decrease watering to once every two weeks, unless there are extreme weather conditions. Mature trees are relatively drought-tolerant and may only require additional watering during prolonged dry spells. Always ensure that the soil is moist but never soggy, as overwatering can lead to root rot.
Light
The Maidenhair Tree thrives in full sun to partial shade. It's best situated in a spot where it can receive at least four to six hours of direct sunlight daily. These trees are adaptable but they perform the best and develop the strongest form when grown in an area that receives plenty of sunlight throughout the day.
Temperature
The Maidenhair Tree is fairly tolerant of a wide range of temperatures. It can withstand temperatures as low as -20°F and as high as 120°F; however, its ideal growing conditions are within the 50°F to 85°F range. This tree is hardy and can handle occasional spikes beyond these extremes, but consistent exposure to temperatures outside the preferred range can stress the plant.
Pruning
Pruning the Maidenhair Tree is typically done to remove any dead or damaged branches and to maintain its shape. The best time to prune is during the dormant season, in late fall or winter. It's usually not required annually; a check every two to three years should be enough. When pruning, always use clean, sharp tools and make cuts just above a bud or branch junction.
Cleaning
Not needed
Soil
The Columnar Maidenhair Tree prefers well-draining, sandy-loamy soil with a pH of 5.0-5.5. Mix in organic matter like compost to retain some moisture.
Repotting
The Columnar Maidenhair Tree requires repotting every 3-5 years as it is a slow-growing tree.
Humidity & Misting
The Columnar Maidenhair Tree tolerates a wide range of humidity levels and does not have specific humidity requirements.
Suitable locations
Indoor
Ensure bright light, ample space; not ideal for most indoor settings.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil; space to accommodate large size.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycle
The Ginkgo biloba 'Fastigiata Blagon', also known as the Maidenhair Tree, begins its life cycle as a seed, which after stratification, typically requires a period of cold to break dormancy. Upon germination, the seedling emerges, establishing a root system and a shoot that will develop into a trunk as the plant enters the juvenile phase. During this time, the ginkgo's distinctive fan-shaped leaves appear, and the plant continues to grow both in height and girth. The tree reaches maturity after 20 to 30 years and is capable of producing seeds once it flowers, with individual trees being either male or female. The ginkgo has a long reproductive period, with some trees known to live and remain productive for over a thousand years. Throughout its life, the Maidenhair Tree experiences annual cycles of leaf growth in the spring and leaf drop in the autumn, when its leaves turn a bright yellow before falling.
Propogation
Propogation time
Spring to early summer
Ginkgo biloba 'Fastigiata Blagon', commonly known as the Ginkgo or Maidenhair Tree, is generally propagated through seed or through grafting, with grafting being the preferred method for this particular cultivar to ensure the distinct growth habit is maintained. For grafting, the process is usually conducted in late winter or early spring before the buds begin to swell. Scion wood, which is a year-old growth that has been stored in a cool and moist environment to maintain dormancy, is selected from a 'Fastigiata Blagon' Ginkgo tree. The scion is then grafted onto rootstock of generic Ginkgo biloba through methods like whip grafting or bud grafting. This technique ensures that the distinctive characteristics of the 'Fastigiata Blagon' cultivar, such as its narrow, columnar form, are preserved. After grafting, the union is sealed with grafting tape or wax and monitored for growth and healing throughout the growing season.