Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)

Medium-sized trees

• Maximum height
  60 feet
• Relative growth rate
  Poor
• Freedom from insect pests
  Excellent
• Freedom from disease problems
  Excellent
• Resistance to storm damage
  Excellent
• Will grow on poorly drained soil
  Poor
• Will grow in hot, dry areas
  Good
• Easy to transplant
  Good
• Withstands city conditions
  Excellent

Geological evidence indicates that the ginkgo has been growing on earth for the past 150 million years. Although it is one of the most primitive trees known, it is one of the best adapted to city conditions. The ginkgo has no known insect or disease pests and hence never needs spraying. The interesting fan-shaped leaves of the ginkgo turn a clear yellow in autumn. Only grafted nonfruiting varieties should be planted, as the round plumlike fruits of the tree have an obnoxious odor. Ginkgo will eventually grow to a large-sized tree but it is slow growing and will take at least 50 years to develop to larger than a medium-sized tree.