Ginko biloba trees have the most interesting fan-shaped leaves, and are versatile and resilient, adapting well to Arkansas.
By Sharon Dent
Ginko (Ginko biloba) is one of the oldest tree species on earth. It is a deciduous conifer that can be found all over the United States, but it is native to China where there are living examples over 1,000 years old even though it is a slow-growing tree.
They have the most interesting fan-shaped leaves and an incredible golden yellow color in the fall. They drop their leaves in the fall at the same time – full of golden leaves one minute, and bare branches the next. They do well in Arkansas and can be planted in the fall and early spring before dormancy breaks.
These trees are versatile and resilient. Female trees have foul smelling, fleshy seeds. It is best to purchase male trees and avoid the smell. ‘Autumn Gold’ is a particularly good tree for impact as it grows to 30 feet tall and 50 feet wide. For tight spaces go with “Gold Spire,” a neat 15 feet tall and 5 feet wide. ‘Jade Butterflies’ has a V-shape and gets 12 feet tall and 10 feet wide.
There is dwarf called ‘Troll” (3 feet by 3 feet). Southern Living Magazine published an article in October of 2014 praising the versatility of these trees.
The trees like moist, well-drained soil and a sunny spot, but they tolerate harsh conditions. The City of Hot Springs once had a tree farm and among the trees that they grew were Ginkos. These trees were planted in parks and on other City-owned spots.
When the City phased out the tree farm, they gave one free tree to residents who wanted to plant them in their yards. This was a wonderful and generous beautification project. The trees were a good size and were distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis.
I got Ginkos for myself and my neighbor. They are planted in typical area clay soil with rocks. These trees are in the woods close to our property line so we both get the benefit of their golden fall color. The trees get little water except from nature and maybe one summer watering. No pests or diseases. A wonderful tree for the ages.
Advanced Garland County Master Gardener, Sharon Dent, volunteers with GC Master Gardeners of the UofA Div. of Agriculture, Cooperative Ext. Service. Master Gardeners pool skills and resources to improve home horticulture, stimulate interest in plants and gardening, and encourage beautification. For more information, call 501-623-6841 or email adykes@uaex.edu. The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution.
