Great Design Plant: Ginkgo
This is a rugged and dependable big tree that putson a dramatic show in late fall. Suddenly green leaves turn buttery yellow or golden allat once, and after a week or two, the they drop in unison, creating a goldencarpet on the ground or lawn.
Distinguishing traits: Beautiful yellow or golden foliage in fall is the highlight for a deciduous tree that is handsome all year. It generally is tall and stately, although some varieties (XX names?X) are more compact and spreading. Leaves resembling maidenhair fern inspire the common name. How to use it: It’s a big, tall tree if don’t mind waiting for its slow growth to pick up speed. Grow it in a lawn, or as street tree. Or cluster slender young trees in a minature grove for close-up viewing. Before you plant it: Make sure you choose a named variety (e.g., ‘Autumn Gold’, ‘Saratoga’); unnamed trees grown from seeds may be female, which produce a mess of stinky fruit.
Botanical name: Ginkgo biloba Common name: Maidenhair tree USDA zones: 5-9 Water requirement: Moderate Sun requirement: Full sun Mature size: 35-50’ h (can be even taller) x 15-40’ spread, depending on variety Tolerances: Easy to grow, no particular pest or disease problems. Accepts wide range of watering. Resists oak root fungus.
Ginkgo biloba 'Jade Butterfly' Photo credit: Doreen Wynja for Monrovia
Q