Maidenhair Tree
The maidenhair tree (Ginkgo biloba) is a true time traveler—dating back over 200 million years, it’s the ultimate “living fossil.” Did you know ginkgo leaves once shaded dinosaurs? Its unique fan-shaped foliage even inspired its nickname, “maidenhair,” for its resemblance to fern leaves.
Noted for spectacular golden fall foliage, the ginkgo is also a survivor. Six ancient trees famously re-sprouted after the Hiroshima bombing! Plant one and join a legendary lineage that stretches across continents and centuries. Ginkgos are drought tolerant, pollution-proof, and nearly immune to pests—making them perfect for busy gardeners and city landscapes.
Growing a ginkgo is surprisingly easy. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil, water young trees regularly, and mulch around the base for best results. Prune in late winter to shape, then enjoy low-maintenance beauty for decades. Fertilizing is optional—ginkgos don’t need much aside from patience as they start slow but will thrive for generations.
There’s a ginkgo variety for every garden style. Dream of golden shade? Try ‘Autumn Gold’. Want a dwarf for containers or bonsai? Explore ‘Mariken’ or quirky ‘Troll’. Formal landscapes love vertical ‘Princeton Sentry’, while collectors covet variegated ‘Majestic Butterfly’.
Most ginkgo cultivars are male so there’s no messy fruit. Plant a ginkgo and brighten your garden with ancient charm—then watch its golden leaves drift down every fall, connecting your landscape to the world’s oldest botanical story.
