Ginkgo Biloba

Common Names

Ginkgo
Maidenhair Tree

Scientific Names

Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgoaceae family

Basic Landscape Attributes

Height Range:

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Width Range:

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History of
the Tree Species

Native to China
Fossils similar to the current species go back to the Middle Jurassic period (170 million years ago)
Cultivated early in human history and is still commonly planted today
Rediscovered in 1691 in China, brought to U.S. in late 1700s

Basic Growing Conditions

Full sun to partial shade
Grows in acidic, alkaline, loamy, moist, rich, sandy, silty loam, well-drained, wet, and clay soils
Tolerates drought and wetness
Doesn't grow well in hot and dry climates

Scientific Facts

Often used as a street tree
Seeds and leaves have long been used for medicinal purposes, including blood regulation, dementia, diabetes, etc.
Fruit and seeds edible in moderation, but offer a nasty odor

Location on tree on Shelby Ave:

The Shelby Avenue Arboretum is a community-grown project led by Nashville Tree Conservation Corps and is in partnership with NTCC and Metro Nashville.