Ginkgo/Maidenhair Tree
Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo/Maidenhair Tree (Ginkgo biloba) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 40–70 ft tall and 25–40 ft wide, slow-growing, needs medium water, and prefers full sun. Plant male cultivar; slow to establish.
medium water40–70 ft tall and 25–40 ft wideZones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)Deer-resistant
Photos
- Photo 1: (c) Summit Metro Parks, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 2: "E20151123-0003—Ginkgo biloba—RPBG" by John Rusk is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/.
- Photo 3: "Ginkgo biloba" by zipckr is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/.
- Photo 4: EecherplazGinkgo06.jpg: Cayambe derivative work: Ginkgotree (talk)
- Photo 5: (c) Marco Mussita, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Marco Mussita
- Photo 6: "Ginkgo biloba" by zipckr is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/.
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–9
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 40–70 ft tall and 25–40 ft wide
- Mature form
- Irregular / open
- Spacing / clearance
- ~40 ft of clearance
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Lifespan
- Long-lived
What it looks like, and when
- Fall color
- Gold
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Cold HardinessThe average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- Watch: TransplantsIt resents being moved, so start with smaller stock, plant in spring, and get the spot right the first time.
- Watch: Leaf ScorchIts leaf edges brown in hot, dry wind, so give it steady summer water and some shelter from the worst afternoon blast.
Common problems on the Front Range
No major pest or disease problems are commonly reported for this plant on the Front Range. Keep it well sited and watered, and watch for the usual stress-driven issues in drought or heat.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Ginkgo/Maidenhair Tree good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Ginkgo/Maidenhair Tree is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Ginkgo/Maidenhair Tree get?
- It matures to about 40–70 ft tall and 25–40 ft wide.
- How much room does Ginkgo/Maidenhair Tree need?
- Give Ginkgo/Maidenhair Tree about 40 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Ginkgo/Maidenhair Tree grow into?
- Ginkgo/Maidenhair Tree typically grows into an irregular, picturesque outline that varies from plant to plant. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Ginkgo/Maidenhair Tree hardy on the Front Range?
- Ginkgo/Maidenhair Tree is hardy in USDA 4–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range. That said, it carries a cold-hardiness caution: The average low suits it fine; our real cold risk is the swings, late frosts, and intense winter sun, so wrap young trunks and give it shelter.
- How much water does Ginkgo/Maidenhair Tree need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- How fast does Ginkgo/Maidenhair Tree grow?
- Ginkgo/Maidenhair Tree is a slow-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Ginkgo/Maidenhair Tree live?
- Ginkgo/Maidenhair Tree is long-lived, a multi-generational tree given good siting and care. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does Ginkgo/Maidenhair Tree turn in fall?
- Ginkgo/Maidenhair Tree turns gold in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Ginkgo/Maidenhair Tree native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Ginkgo/Maidenhair Tree deer-resistant?
- Ginkgo/Maidenhair Tree is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Ginkgo/Maidenhair Tree a good firewise plant near the house?
- Ginkgo/Maidenhair Tree is a lower-fuel choice suitable in defensible-space zones 1–3, it can be planted near the house when kept well irrigated and maintained. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- Is Ginkgo/Maidenhair Tree prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Ginkgo/Maidenhair Tree has no major pest or disease problems commonly reported on the Front Range. Keep it well sited and watered, and watch for stress-driven issues in drought or heat.
