Maidenhair tree Ginkgo biloba
ABOUT
G. biloba is a deciduous tree to 25m, conical when young, becoming more irregular with age. Leaves to 12cm in width, fan-shaped and often bilobed, turning clear yellow in autumn. Unpleasantly scented dull yellow fruits in autumn on female plants
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ginkgoaceae.
Synonyms
Ginkgo, Maidenhair Tree, Fossil Tree, Gingko, Japanese Silver Apricot, Bai Guo.
Common names
Salisburia adiantifolia, Salisburia biloba, Salisburia macrophylla, Ginkgo macrophylla, Pterophyllus salisburiensis.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Height
50 feet (15 meters)
Spread
35 feet (10.6 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Enhances Cognitive Function - Ginkgo biloba is widely recognized for its potential to improve memory and mental clarity.
- Antioxidant Properties - Contains flavonoids and terpenoids which have strong antioxidant effects, helping to combat oxidative stress.
- Improves Circulation - Traditionally used to enhance blood flow to various parts of the body, including the brain.
- Supports Vision Health - May assist in maintaining good vision and reducing the risk of age-related eye issues.
- Reduces Symptoms of PMS - Some women find relief from premenstrual symptoms by taking Ginkgo biloba supplements.
- Stress Resistance - Often believed to help the body manage stress due to its adaptogenic properties.
- Hearing Support - Can be beneficial for some individuals in reducing the risk of tinnitus or hearing loss related to vascular origins.
- Neuroprotective Effects - Might offer protection against neuronal damage and age-related cognitive decline.
- Improves Sleep Quality - Them through sleep disturbances may find it helpful for promoting better sleep.
Medical Properties- Improving memory and cognitive function: Extracts of Ginkgo biloba are commonly believed to have nootropic effects and are marketed for enhancing mental performance.
- Antioxidant properties: The plant contains flavonoids and terpenoids, which have antioxidant properties that may protect cells from oxidative damage.
- Improving symptoms of dementia: Some studies suggest Ginkgo may be helpful in treating the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, although the evidence is mixed.
- Circulatory issues and vascular support: Ginkgo is thought to improve blood circulation by dilating blood vessels and reducing the stickiness of blood platelets.
- Treating tinnitus: It is sometimes used to try to alleviate the symptoms of tinnitus, though evidence of its effectiveness is inconsistent.
- Managing anxiety: Limited research suggests Ginkgo biloba could have anxiolytic effects, potentially useful for managing anxiety disorders.
- Eye health: Due to its circulation-promoting effects, it is sometimes used to treat or prevent vision problems like glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration.
- Relieving PMS symptoms: Some evidence suggests that Ginkgo may help to alleviate premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ginkgo biloba leaves are often used in the art of leaf carving where intricate designs are created by scraping away the outer layers of leaves without cutting or removing the veins.
- The unique fan-shaped leaves of the Ginkgo biloba can be pressed and used in ornamental decorations or natural art projects, capturing their distinctive shape.
- Wood from the Ginkgo biloba tree can be used in furniture making, especially in veneers and inlay work, due to its aesthetic grain patterns.
- The inedible outer layer of Ginkgo biloba seeds can be used as a natural dye, providing a dye color that varies from greenish to brownish-yellow.
- Aged Ginkgo biloba wood is sometimes employed by craftsmen for creating small sculptures or for woodturning projects due to its durability and finish quality.
- Ginkgo biloba trees are planted in urban landscapes as living fossil monuments, celebrating their ancient lineage and unique biological history.
- The tree is often used in bonsai cultivation, where its leaves can be miniaturized, and its ancient, sculptural form is highly prized by enthusiasts.
- Ginkgo biloba leaves are sometimes used in the creation of natural potpourris, contributing a distinct shape and texture along with other natural elements.
- In some cultures, the fallen leaves of the Ginkgo biloba are gathered and used in seasonal festivals to symbolize longevity and resilience.
- Ginkgo biloba leaves can be incorporated into hand-crafted papermaking for their fibers and to create decorative patterns within the paper itself.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Ginkgo tree is not commonly used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Ginkgo tree is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Longevity: Ginkgo biloba trees can live for a very long time, with some specimens being over 1,000 years old, symbolizing endurance and the ability to withstand the test of time.
- Resilience: These trees are known for their ability to survive in adverse conditions, including pollution and pests, making them a symbol of resilience and strength.
- Hope and Peace: After surviving the atomic bomb in Hiroshima, ginkgo trees were one of the first plants to sprout again, making them an emblem of hope and the resilience of life, as well as a symbol for peace.
- Duality: The leaves of the Ginkgo biloba, with their two lobes, represent the concept of duality, yin and yang, and the balance of opposing forces.
- Memory and Cognition: As ginkgo is often used in supplements to aid memory and cognitive function, it symbolizes mental sharpness and clear thinking.
- Love and Longevity in Relationships: Because of the tree's age and enduring nature, it symbolizes lasting relationships and is sometimes associated with love that endures time.
WaterGinkgo biloba, commonly known as the maidenhair tree, should be watered deeply and thoroughly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. In general, this means providing the tree with about 1 to 2 gallons of water every two weeks during the growing season, although this can vary depending on climate and soil conditions. It is important to avoid over-watering, as the maidenhair tree does not tolerate excessively wet soil. Younger trees will require more frequent watering to establish a strong root system, while mature trees can be watered less often.
LightMaidenhair trees are best suited for areas that receive full sun to partial shade. They can tolerate a variety of lighting conditions but thrive with exposure to at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Planting a maidenhair tree in a location that receives morning sunlight with some afternoon shade is often ideal, especially in hotter climates.
TemperatureMaidenhair trees are highly adaptable and can withstand a wide temperature range. Ginkgo biloba can survive in temperatures as low as -30 to -50 degrees Fahrenheit during dormancy in the winter and can tolerate the summer heat up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideal growing temperatures for the maidenhair tree range from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, where it can flourish and grow.
PruningPruning the maidenhair tree is typically done to remove any dead or broken branches and to maintain its natural, attractive shape. Pruning should be performed in late winter or early spring before the tree begins its active growth. It doesn't require heavy pruning, and it is usually sufficient to prune it every few years. The best time for pruning is when the tree is dormant to minimize sap loss and stress to the tree.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Ginkgo or Maidenhair tree thrives in well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with a pH of 5.0 to 8.0. A good mix would be equal parts garden soil, peat moss, and perlite to ensure proper drainage and aeration.
RepottingGinkgo trees are slow growers and do not need to be repotted frequently. Young trees can be repotted every 2-3 years, but mature trees might only need repotting every 5 years or more, depending on the pot size.
Humidity & MistingGinkgo trees are adaptable and can tolerate a wide range of humidity levels, but they typically prefer normal to lower humidity environments, as they are drought-tolerant once established.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, minimal watering.
Outdoor
Sunny spot, well-drained soil, tolerates cold.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleGinkgo biloba, commonly known as the Maidenhair Tree, is a dioecious plant, meaning it has separate male and female individuals. The life cycle begins with seed germination, which can be erratic, with some seeds requiring a period of stratification to break dormancy. Once germinated, the seedling grows into a juvenile tree, characterized by a straight stem and symmetrical branches. With maturity, over many years, the tree develops distinctive fan-shaped leaves and, if female, produces ovulate cones with ovules that, after pollination by the wind-carried pollen from the male trees, mature into seeds with a fleshy outer layer. Male Ginkgo trees produce catkin-like pollen cones that release pollen into the air. The Maidenhair Tree can live for a very long time, with some specimens known to be over 1,000 years old, continuing the cycle by producing new seeds each year.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
Ginkgo biloba, commonly known as the ginkgo or maidenhair tree, is most commonly propagated through seeds. The optimal time for seed propagation is in the autumn right after the seeds have ripened. Mature ginkgo seeds have a fleshy outer layer that needs to be removed before planting due to its possible inhibitory effects on germination. Once the seeds are cleaned, they can be stratified—a process that simulates winter conditions. Stratification involves mixing the seeds with slightly moist sand and storing them at cold temperatures, usually between 33 to 41 degrees Fahrenheit (1 to 5 degrees Celsius), for about 60 to 90 days. After stratification, the seeds can be sown in well-draining soil in a sunny location. It's important to note that ginkgos have a long juvenile period and it may take many years for a seed-grown tree to reach maturity and produce its own seeds.
