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Maidenhair tree

A very distinctive and ancient tree and the only species remaining of a much larger family which dominated the plant world 150-200 million years ago- when the dinosaurs roamed the planet!

What other names does it have?

Can also be known as	Ginko
Generic name	Ginkgo
Latin name	Ginkgo biloba
Family name	Ginkgo
Latin family name	Ginkgoaceae

What type of tree is it?

Is it a broadleaf or conifer?	It is a broadleaf
Does it lose its leaves in autumn?	Yes, it is deciduous

Species description:

Average height	Grows up to 28m high

Leaf

Description	Fan shape with a central notch
Shape	Odd
Size	9 x 7cm
Colour	Fresh green
Colour of leaves in autumn	Bright yellow
Leaf bud	Buds are red and green. They are fat but have a sharp point.
Leaf stalk	Long stalk
Leaf arrangement	In bunches

Flower, seed, and fruit

Type of flower	Catkin
Flowering season	Late spring
Fruit colour	Ripen to yellow in autumn
Fruit season	Autumn
Type of seed body	Fruit
Seeds dispersed by	Wildlife

Bark and twig

Bark description	Grey-brown with ridges becoming more craggy with age
Twig Description	Shiny, grey/brown

Where is it usually found?

Is it native or non-native to the British Isles?	Non-native - introduced
Where is its natural range?	China
Preferred soil type or environmental conditions?	Prefers warmer areas and cannot cope with the cold. Tolerates pollution well.
What is its British conservation status?	Occasional

Additional information

Human uses of tree and timber	Planted as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens and occasionally towns.
Tree lore and folklore	This tree has been used in chinese medicine in the past

Tree shape

Leaves, seed

Tree Bark

Illustrations supplied by
Collins

BritishTrees

©2012 The Woodland Trust