Ginkgo Biloba (Maidenhair Tree) — A golden time traveler with fan-shaped leaves

A living fossil with timeless elegance, the Ginkgo carries 200 million years of history in its fan-shaped leaves. In summer, its bright green canopy brings calm, dappled shade; in autumn, it ignites into a brilliant gold that can light up an entire street. Tough, adaptable, and patient, it’s a tree that bridges ancient earth with modern gardens — a botanical time traveler in golden robes.

Plant Details:

• Water Needs: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established

• Sun Needs: Full sun

• Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils; tolerates clay, loam, and sandy soils; pH adaptable

• Growing Zone: USDA Zones 4–9

• Cold Hardiness: Down to ~−30°F (−34°C)

• Mature Size: 40–60 ft tall x 30–40 ft wide (some cultivars stay smaller)

• Native Origin: China; ancient lineage dating back to the Jurassic period

• Best Substitutes For: Maples (Acer spp.) for fall color, Honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos), or small urban shade trees

• Landscape Uses: Urban street tree, specimen tree, large garden focal point, or for striking fall color displays