The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), also called the maidenhair tree, is a deciduous tree recognized by fan-shaped leaves that turn golden yellow in autumn. It is widely planted for shade and as an ornamental tree, but female trees can produce foul-smelling seed coverings. The species is listed as Endangered, a status that concerns its conservation in its native range—not the many ginkgos planted around the world.
What is a ginkgo tree?
Ginkgo biloba is the only living species in its genus and the sole surviving member of an ancient group of trees. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew reports ginkgo leaf fossils more than 200 million years old; that makes the modern tree a living representative of an ancient lineage, not a species proven unchanged since then. Kew’s profile also reports an oldest recorded tree of 3,500 years, without stating a publication year for either figure. Kew’s ginkgo profile
The name “maidenhair tree” is another common name. Its distinctive leaves are fan-shaped and divided into two or more lobes; biloba refers to those lobes. Ginkgo is deciduous: its leaves turn yellow in autumn before falling.
How to recognize male and female ginkgo trees
Ginkgo trees are male or female. The difference matters most when choosing one for a planting site.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- 🍃 Unique Fan-Shaped Leaves: Distinctive, elegant foliage unlike any other tree—adds a refined, architectural look to your landscape
- 🌳 Living Fossil Tree: One of the oldest tree species on Earth, known for its strength, longevity, and resilience
- 🌞 Extremely Hardy & Adaptable: Tolerates pollution, poor soils, heat, and urban conditions with ease
- 🏡 Perfect for Any Landscape: Ideal as a specimen tree, street tree, or long-lasting addition to your yard
| Tree | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Male | Does not produce the fleshy seed coverings associated with the characteristic rancid odor. Kew says male trees are commonly selected for ornamental planting. |
| Female | After fertilization, produces seeds enclosed in round, yellowish, fleshy coverings. When the outer flesh decays, it gives off an unpleasant odor. |
Kew reports that a tree may take 20–35 years to mature and begin bearing these fruit-like seed structures. A young tree may therefore not reveal its sex through seed production for many years. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Is ginkgo endangered?
Yes. Kew lists Ginkgo biloba as Endangered and gives China as its native range. Its Plants of the World Online record specifies Zhejiang, China, and notes uncertainty over whether some trees there are genuinely wild or descended from temple plantings. That uncertainty is one reason not to equate abundant cultivation with secure wild populations. Kew species profile · Plants of the World Online
Rank #2
- 1. Grow Your Own Ginkgo Tree – Includes 10 premium Ginkgo biloba seeds for planting. Also known as Maidenhair Tree, this long-living ornamental tree is valued for its unique fan-shaped leaves and beautiful golden fall color.
- 2. Heirloom Non-GMO Seeds – High-quality, non-GMO tree seeds suitable for home gardens, yards, landscaping projects, and bonsai growing. Great for gardeners who enjoy growing rare and unique trees from seed.
- 3. Cold Stratification Recommended – For best germination results, soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours, then cold stratify in moist sand or peat moss for 6–8 weeks before planting.
- 4. Adaptable and Easy to Grow – Ginkgo trees can thrive in full sun to partial shade and prefer loose, well-drained soil. Once established, they are drought tolerant and suitable for many climates.
- 5. Ideal for Outdoor Planting – Perfect for backyard gardens, landscape borders, park-style plantings, and tree collections. Mature trees provide shade, seasonal color, and an attractive natural appearance.
Ginkgo is cultivated around the world, including in gardens and urban landscapes. Its widespread presence as a planted tree does not change its conservation status in the wild.
Is ginkgo a good shade or street tree?
Ginkgo is used as a lawn, street, and shade tree, including in urban settings, according to Missouri Botanical Garden. Whether it suits a particular site depends on the space available as the tree matures and whether the odor and fallen seed coverings of a female tree would be a problem. Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder
Rank #3
- UNIQUE FAN-SHAPED FOLIAGE: This variety is famous for its distinct, lush green leaves that resemble a maidenhair fern. These high-impact leaves add a splash of elegant texture to your yard during the spring and summer before transforming into a brilliant golden-yellow display in the autumn.
- ESTABLISHED VIGOROUS ROOTS: You receive a well-rooted Ginkgo tree starter ready for immediate planting. This sturdy starter is easy for you to handle and is intended to provide a strong beginning for your landscape design with a much more developed root system compared to unrooted cuttings or seeds.
- EXCEPTIONAL RESILIENCE: Often referred to as a living fossil, the Ginkgo tree is renowned for its incredible durability. It is a sturdy, cold-hardy option designed to handle chilly winter temperatures and a variety of soil conditions, making it a highly reliable choice for any backyard.
- LOW MAINTENANCE CARE: This deciduous tree is a simple choice for those who want a majestic space without difficult upkeep. It is intended to thrive in full sun to partial shade and requires very little daily attention once it has settled into its new location in your garden or front yard.
- LONG-LIVED SHADE PROVIDER: Known for its longevity and upright growth habit, the Maidenhair tree is intended to become a legacy piece in your landscape. As it matures, this vigorous tree provides broad shade and a consistent visual focal point, enhancing the curb appeal of your property for decades.
- Consider the tree’s eventual scale and leave room for it to grow.
- If avoiding the odor is important, ask the nursery whether the tree is male; a young seedling may not yet have produced seed structures that make sex obvious.
- Check local conditions and nursery guidance for site suitability rather than assuming general descriptions guarantee performance at a specific property.
Kew describes a propagation process in which seeds are cleaned of their fleshy covering, cold-stored, and germinated under controlled conditions; seedlings are then grown before planting out. This is a botanical account, not a substitute for growing advice tailored to a location. Kew
Ginkgo’s cultural and food uses
Ginkgo has a long history of cultural importance in East Asia and is associated with temple gardens in China and Japan. Kew recounts a tradition that Confucius taught beneath a ginkgo tree; it is best understood as a traditional story, not a verified historical event. The seed is eaten in some Chinese dishes, but that culinary use does not make ginkgo seeds safe to eat casually or without appropriate knowledge.
Rank #4
- Grows up to 80 feet tall with a broad, spreading canopy
- Has distinctive fan-shaped leaves that turn golden yellow in fall
- Tolerates pollution, salt, wind, and urban conditions
- No serious pests or diseases
- Ginkgo trees are among the oldest species on earth, dating back 270 million years. This "living fossil"
Do ginkgo supplements help memory?
Ginkgo leaf extract is marketed for cognition and other health purposes, but traditional use and marketing are not proof of clinical benefit. The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) states, “There’s no conclusive evidence that ginkgo is helpful for any health condition.” It says ginkgo has not been shown to prevent or slow dementia; evidence for possible symptom benefits in dementia is inconsistent. NCCIH also reports that research suggests ginkgo does not help prevent heart disease, treat high blood pressure, or relieve tinnitus or multiple sclerosis symptoms. NCCIH: Ginkgo—Usefulness and Safety
In the Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory study, more than 3,000 participants aged 75 or older with normal cognition or mild cognitive impairment received ginkgo or placebo and were followed for a median of six years. NCCIH’s study summary, accessed in 2026, reports no difference in the rates at which participants developed dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. The summary does not state a publication year, so the follow-up period should not be mistaken for a study publication date. NCCIH study summary
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsBest Value
- These are ready to plant and should be put in the ground according to the included instructions upon arrival. All pictures are of fully grown plants. Sizes shipped are in the title and description. Deciduous plants do not have leaves in the winter.
- California orders will be packaged according to their state regulations.
- Thrives in zones 3 through 9 with full sun to part sun.
- Size shipped is 1 to 2 feet tall in trade gallon containers and double boxed for safe transport.
- Do not transplant into another container, only the ground. We ensure a successful transplant for 30 days if the included planting instructions are followed with the correct location and water. Deciduous plants bought dormant during the winter are expected to leaf out in the spring under the same conditions.
Are ginkgo seeds or supplements safe?
Seeds and leaf extracts are different products and carry different concerns. NCCIH says fresh ginkgo seeds are toxic when eaten, and serious effects have also occurred after consumption of roasted seeds or crude ginkgo plant material. A seed’s use in some dishes is not a recommendation to forage or eat it.
Leaf extracts may cause side effects and may increase bleeding risk when taken with anticoagulants such as warfarin. NCCIH advises people taking medication to consult a health professional before using herbal products and cautions about possible use during pregnancy. Supplements are not FDA-approved as drugs before sale, so a supplement should not be treated as an established treatment or a substitute for medical care. NCCIH safety information
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
