Description
The Ginkgo biloba is a Chinese native which dates back to over 200 million years ago which dates them back to a time before even dinosaurs roamed the plant.
This tree is a deciduous conifer, which is an attribute to a very small number of trees. This tree boasts attractive two-lobed, fan-shaped leaves which are known for their exceptionally bright gold autumn colour.
Male specimens have yellow catkins in spring, whereas the females have fruit. This majestic tree can be planted in isolation as a garden focal point; the Maidenhair also works as a companion to a Red Maple, as the burning autumn colours contrast beautifully. This tree will eventually become very tall, so ensure you plant it in a large garden away from any buildings. This hardy tree was just 2km away from the Hiroshima atomic bomb blast in 1945 and survived the attack; the affected trees are still growing to this day!
Maidenhair trees are extremely long lived with the oldest recorded individuals being 3,500 years old! They have been widely used in Chinese and now in western medicine. The leaves are used in herbal remedies to treat Alzheimer’s, Dementia and other diseases and cognitive ailments.
Common Name: Maidenhair tree
Latin Name: Ginkgo biloba
