Maidenhair Tree Ginkgo biloba 'Fastigiata Blagon'

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

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.

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.