Ginkgo
Arbor walk #96, Treekeeper ID #5779
This tree is in the Ginkgoaceae family and is known as the most superior of the species. The ‘Autumn Gold’ evolved over 200 million years ago and can withstand extremely harsh conditions. The tree produces a beautiful gold leaf color in Autumn, hence the name.
Considered a living fossil, this variety of Ginkgo can live to be over 1,000 years old. It is considered sacred in Chinese culture, and a symbol of longevity. This is in part because it grows slowly, allowing its wood to become very hard, and resistant to harsh conditions. Its seeds and leaves are most commonly known for their medicinal properties, used to improve memory and cure other ailments. The ‘Autumn Gold’ is a male variety, and therefore will not produce fruit.
Read Howard Nemerov’s THE CONSENT about the Grinkgo.
More information on the Ginkgos in our Arboretum here and here!
| Common Name | Ginkgo |
|---|---|
| Latin Name | Ginkgo biloba |
| Indigenous Name(s) | |
| Cultivar/Variety | ‘Autumn Gold’ |
| Commercial Name |
Global Distribution
Coming soon
GPS Coordinates
N/A
Percent Concrete
N/A
Distance to Buildings
| Year | Close Building #1 | Close Building #2 | Close Building #3 |
|---|---|---|---|
Distance to Other Species
| Year | Close Species #1 | Close Species # 2 | Close Species # 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
Standard Measurements
| Year | Height (m) | DBH (cm) | Caliper (m) | Crown Diameter N-S (m) | Crown Diameter E-W (m) | Average Crown Diameter (m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 7.5 | 12.5 | N/A | 2.61 | 2.15 | 2.38 |
Nests and Pests
| Year | Description |
|---|---|
| 2023 | N/A |
Leaf Identification
The Ginkgo has distinctive two-lobed, fan-shaped leaves with parallel veins. They are a bright green and turn a brilliant yellow in the fall.
Twig and Bud Identification
Ginkgo twigs are zig zag, maturing to a light gray color with vertical grooves and few to no lenticels. Buds are globular with broad scales at the base. In the winter, the buds turn reddish brown.
Twig of Arbor Walk #12 
Bud of Arbor Walk #12 (Winter) 
Bud of Arbor Walk #12 (Summer) 
Twig of Arbor Walk #96 
Bud of Arbor Walk #96 (Winter) 
Bud of Arbor Walk #96 (Summer) 
Twig of Arbor Walk #76 
Bud of Arbor Walk #76 (Winter) 
Bud of Arbor Walk #76 (Summer) 
Bud of Arbor Walk #76 (Winter) 
Bud of Arbor Walk #12 (Winter)
Bark Identification
The Ginkgo has light gray bark that fissures with maturity.
Cone and “Fruit” Identification
The “fruit” of the Ginkgo are apricot-colored, fleshy seed covers with silvery casts. They are messy and produce a repugnant odor. Since these trees are not true flowering plants, the “fruit” only grows on female trees and are not considered an actual fruit. Males produce pollen cones.
[photo forthcoming]
‘Saratoga’ Identification
The ‘Saratoga’ variety grows slower, is more narrow and pendulous, and is a more yellow/green color compared to the traditional tree.
[photo forthcoming]
‘Autumn Gold’ Identification
The ‘Autumn Gold’ variety has a brilliant gold color in the fall. These trees are shorter than wild-type ginkgos, only reaching 50′ at very tallest. It is an all-male cultivar, meaning that no “fruit” will be produced.
[photo forthcoming]
