Ginkgo, Maidenhair Tree
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Ginkgophyta, Class: Ginkgoopsida, Order: Ginkgoales, Family: Ginkgoaceae, Genus: Ginkgo, Species: Ginkgo biloba · Ginkgoaceae (Ginkgo family) · Simple, deciduous gymnosperm leaf
Species
Ginkgo biloba
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous gymnosperm leaf
Family
Ginkgoaceae (Ginkgo family)
Shape
Flabellate (fan-shaped) with a characteristic notch in the center of the outer margin
Size
Approximately 2-3 inches wide and long; typical for mature foliage which ranges from 2-4 inches
Margin
Undulate or irregular along the outer edge; smooth and entire along the sides leading to the petiole
Arrangement
Alternate; often grouped in clusters on short spur shoots or spaced along long primary branches
Rarity
Common in cultivation/landscaping; Extremely Rare (Endangered) in the wild
Color & Pattern
Bright medium green; turns a uniform, brilliant golden-yellow in autumn; monochromatic upper and lower surfaces
Venation Pattern
Dichotomous venation; veins fork in pairs from the base to the margin without cross-veining
Texture & Surface
Leathery (coriaceous) and smooth; may feel slightly waxy to the touch; glabrous on both sides
Description
A unique deciduous gymnosperm, often called a 'living fossil'. The tree has an erratic, pyramidal growth habit when young, becoming more spreading with age. It features deeply furrowed, corky grey bark and produces distinct fan-shaped leaves that resemble the pinnae of a Maidenhair fern.
Key Features
Unique fan shape, dichotomous venation (forking veins), notched center margin, and 'living fossil' status as the only surviving member of its division
Habitat
Widely cultivated in urban parks and streets; native to semi-shaded mountain valleys with rich, moist, well-drained soil
Geographic Range
Native to a small area in Zhejiang province, China; now naturalized in parts of Asia and planted worldwide in temperate zones
Condition Notes
Excellent health; vibrant green color indicates high chlorophyll content. No signs of insect herbivory or fungal spotting, which is common as the tree is exceptionally pest-resistant
Interesting Facts
The Ginkgo tree has existed for over 270 million years. Six trees survived the 1945 Hiroshima atomic blast within 1-2km of the epicenter and are still alive today
Medicinal & Uses
Extracts from leaves are used in supplements for cognitive function and memory. Timber is lightweight and used for insect-resistant furniture and chess boards
Ecological Role
Pollinated by wind. While it has few natural pests today, it historically supported specialized insects. It is highly resistant to urban pollution and salt
Similar Species
None; its leaf shape is unique among broad-leafed trees. It superficially resembles the Maidenhair fern (Adiantum pinnatum) but on a tree scale
Foraging Tips
Look for the distinct fan-shaped leaves on city streets in late autumn when they turn bright gold; all leaves tend to drop within a very short 24-48 hour window
Toxicity Warning
Leaves are generally safe to touch, but the fleshy seed coat of the female tree contains ginkgolic acid and is moderately toxic/irritating (causes contact dermatitis similar to poison ivy)