Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is an ancient deciduous tree renowned for its unique fan-shaped leaves and spectacular golden autumn display. Seedling-grown trees retain the remarkable toughness and longevity of the species, but their gender cannot be determined until they reach maturity. Female trees produce distinctive fleshy seeds with an unpleasant odour when ripe, while male trees do not. An outstanding specimen tree, ginkgo is exceptionally hardy and well suited to temperate Australian gardens.
When it matures into a very old tree, it can form pendulous gnarly aerial roots that hang from the trunk towards the ground. There is a magnificent example in the Geelong Botanic Gardens in Victoria.
Need help? Visit our care & planting instructions and autumn foliage guide for practical advice.
- Flowers: Small, inconspicuous yellow-green flowers; spring (September–October); gender not evident until maturity
- Size: About 15–25 m × 8–12 m
- Uses: Specimen tree, shade tree, avenue planting, parks, autumn colour, heritage landscapes
- Attributes: Extremely long-lived; hardy; tolerant of frost, drought once established, heat, urban pollution and many pests and diseases; slow to moderate growth
- Features: Fan-shaped leaves turning brilliant golden yellow in autumn; attractive grey bark with age; seedling-grown plants may prove to be either male or female
- Also known as: Maidenhair Tree; Fossil Tree; Living Fossil; often misspelt Gingko
Note: Seedling-grown ginkgo trees cannot be guaranteed to be male or female until they flower, which may take many years. Mature female trees produce fleshy seeds with a strong odour as they ripen.
Keep your collection labelled. Add a durable engraved plant label to your order, and order extra labels for existing plants so every tree in your collection stays correctly named.
References incl:
Dirr, M. A. (2009). Manual of woody landscape plants (6th ed.). Stipes Publishing.
Royal Horticultural Society (accessed 10/7/2026). Ginkgo biloba.
Trees and Shrubs Online (accessed 10/7/2026).
- Height:
- Large