Ginkgo biloba
Overview
The Ginkgo is one of the most distinctive trees in the world and the only living member of an ancient group of plants that once flourished across the globe. Often called a “living fossil,” the species has existed for more than 200 million years and has remained largely unchanged through time.
Native to China, Ginkgo is widely planted in cities, parks, campuses, and arboretums because of its unique fan-shaped leaves, exceptional tolerance of urban conditions, and brilliant golden fall color. The specimen located near the southeast corner of Morrow Library is among the most recognizable trees in the Marshall University Arboretum.
Identification
Leaves
- Alternate leaf arrangement
- Distinctive fan-shaped leaves
- Parallel veins extending from the leaf base
- Bright green during the growing season
- Brilliant golden-yellow fall color
Bark
- Light gray to gray-brown bark
- Develops shallow furrows and ridges with age
- Thick and resistant to damage
Reproductive Structures
- Male and female trees are separate
- Male trees produce small pollen-bearing structures in spring
- Female trees produce fleshy seeds that mature in autumn
Fruit
- Female trees produce fleshy seed coverings that resemble small fruits
- Seeds mature to a yellow-orange color
- Fallen seeds produce a strong odor as they decompose
Size
- Typically grows 50 to 80 feet tall
- Can exceed 100 feet under favorable conditions
- Develops a broad, spreading canopy with age
Native Range
Ginkgo is native to China and has been cultivated around the world for centuries. Because of its beauty, adaptability, and cultural significance, it has become one of the most widely planted ornamental trees on Earth.
Within the Marshall University Arboretum, Ginkgo is classified as a Non-Native species.
Ecology and Wildlife Value
Although Ginkgo does not play the same ecological role in North America as native tree species, it provides many environmental benefits associated with urban trees.
Its canopy contributes to:
- Shade and cooling
- Stormwater interception
- Carbon storage
- Improved air quality
The species is also known for its remarkable resistance to insects, diseases, pollution, and other environmental stresses.
Human Uses and Cultural Significance
Ginkgo has been cultivated in Asia for more than a thousand years and is often found near temples, gardens, and historic sites. It is widely admired for its unique appearance and extraordinary longevity, with some specimens living for centuries.
The species is commonly planted because of its:
- Distinctive fan-shaped leaves
- Brilliant fall color
- Tolerance of urban conditions
- Resistance to pests and diseases
- Historical significance
Many cities favor male Ginkgo trees for landscape use because female trees produce seeds that emit a strong odor when they fall and begin to decompose.
Ginkgo at Marshall University
The Ginkgo located near the southeast corner of Morrow Library is one of the most easily recognized trees on campus. In autumn, its leaves turn a striking golden yellow, creating one of the arboretum’s most memorable seasonal displays.
The tree is also well known for the aroma produced by its fallen seeds. As fruits accumulate and are crushed on nearby sidewalks, they release a strong odor that visitors are unlikely to forget. While the smell can be unpleasant, it is a natural part of the reproductive cycle of female Ginkgo trees and serves as a reminder of the species’ unusual biology and ancient history.
Quick Facts
Common Name: Ginkgo
Scientific Name: Ginkgo biloba
Family: Ginkgoaceae
Native Region: Non-Native
Mature Height: 50-80 feet (occasionally 100+ feet)
Mature Spread: 30-50 feet
Growth Rate: Slow to Moderate
Sun Requirements: Full Sun
Soil Preferences: Adaptable; grows best in well-drained soils
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
Bloom Period: Spring
Fruit/Seed: Fleshy seed coverings produced on female trees
Wildlife Value: Provides shade, habitat structure, and environmental benefits associated with urban trees
Notable Characteristics: Fan-shaped leaves, brilliant golden fall color, extreme longevity, and status as a living fossil