A symbol of hope and a testament to longevity, ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) possesses a history that rivals that of no other plant. Fossils show that these tenacious trees have been around for 250 million years, even outlasting the dinosaurs. A single tree planted now can live for well over 1,000 years -- good news for even the most neglectful gardener. In the spring, its glossy green leaves make for an attractive tree in the landscape, but it’s in the fall that ginkgo really shines. The lobed leaves radiate a golden glow, and when the wind brushes by, the tree looks as if a million butterflies have alighted on its branches. When the show is over, the leaves will drop within a day or two, leaving behind a pool of gold -- making it easy to rake them in an afternoon.
Planting
As with any tree, fall is the best time to plant. Female trees produce an abundance of fleshy fruit that has a noxious odor when ripe, so buy only named male selections. ‘Saratoga’ and ‘Autumn Gold’ are good choices that grow up to 50 feet tall with broad, spreading canopies. ‘Princeton Sentry’ reaches 60 feet tall with more of a columnar-shaped canopy that makes it a popular street tree. Be sure to choose a spot that can accommodate the height. While ginkgoes are extremely tolerant of pollution, pests, poor soil, and even fire, give them a good start by planting in loose, well-drained soil in full sun. Water regularly until established.
Where To See
Because of its hardy constitution, you’ll often find ginkgo in urban areas. The Hubbard ginkgo, on the lawn of the governor’s mansion in Austin, was brought from Japan by Ambassador Richard Bennett Hubbard and planted in 1889. Another seedling from that trip was planted at what is now the city hall of Tyler.
The Truman’s Walk ginkgo in Independence, Missouri, is named for President Truman, who would stop to admire the tree on his daily strolls. You can order a cutting at www.historictrees.org.
You’ll find a female tree at Mississippi University for Women and a male tree at Mississippi State. Legend holds that if a leaf from the female tree falls on a woman’s shoulder at the same time a leaf falls on a man’s shoulder at Mississippi State, they are destined to be together.
With a grove of 300 trees, The Blandy Experimental Farm in Boyce, Virginia, boasts one of the largest ginkgo stands outside of China. Visit www.virginia.edu/blandy.
Where To Buy
Find named male selections at your local nursery, or order online from Burnt Ridge Nursery (www.burntridgenursery. com). For more information on the ginkgo, visit the Arbor Day Foundation at www.arborday.org.
