What are the health benefits of Ginkgo biloba, what is it, and how can it be grown? To learn more about how to grow ginkgo trees, continue reading this article.
For 160 million years, Gingko trees were common in China as deciduous, hardy shade trees with unique, fan-shaped leaves. Ginkgos have been found in the Mesozoic era, about 200 million years ago, and are thought to be the world’s oldest living tree species.
To the Japanese, Ginkgo trees are sacred because they are commonly planted around temples. It is from these trees that a well-known herbal remedy originates, with particular renown in Asian societies.
Benefits of Ginkgo Biloba
The seeds of ginkgo trees produce an ancient medicinal by-product that has been used for centuries. Even though Ginkgo biloba has long been touted as a remedy for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, its purported benefits also include alleviation of PMS symptoms, eye problems such as macular degeneration, dizziness, and leg pains associated with circulation issues and Tinnitus as well as MS symptoms.
An herbal product, Ginkgo biloba is not regulated or sanctioned by the FDA. Remember to stay away from products containing fresh or roasted Ginkgo tree seeds because they are high in a toxic chemicals that can cause seizures or even death.
Ginkgo Tree Care Instructions
As the maidenhair tree, ginkgos are long-lived, drought-resistant, and pest-resistant; they were the only trees to survive the Hiroshima atomic bomb attack. It is possible for these trees to reach a height of 80 feet (24 meters), but due to their slow growth, they are suitable for many garden areas in USDA zones 4-9.
The fall color of ginkgos is stunningly yellow, and the spread of the tree depends on the cultivar. Fastigiata and Princeton Sentry® are both columnar male forms of Autumn Gold, a male cultivar with good fall color. The fruiting female gingko trees have a foul odor that many have compared to that of vomit, which is why male gingko trees are recommended. As a result, it is best to plant only male trees.
Care for Gingko Biloba
In the North, most of the recommended cultivars of gingko biloba are best suited for full sun (partial sun in the South) and have moderate needs for water. They are also resistant to pollution and road salt. They are, in fact, ideal for those who live near the ocean because they are salt-tolerant. All are covered in golden autumn leaves.
Many ginkgo species start out narrow as young trees, but as they mature, they become quite wide. Pruning the plants while they are still young will help you slow down this process a bit and force them to produce only one leader. However, choosing a cultivar with a narrow shape is a far superior option.
Light
Ginkgo biloba should be planted in a location that gets full sun to partial shade.
Soil
Most soil conditions can be tolerated by ginkgos, including acidic or alkaline soil, compacted or loose soil. It prefers sandy or loamy soils that are well-drained.
Water
If the location is well-drained, water is necessary to maintain a moist soil environment for your plants. Young trees need a lot of water, but mature trees are more tolerant of drought.
Humidity and Temperature
Although they are commonly grown in urban areas, Ginkgo Biloba’s can handle a wide range of moisture and temperature conditions. They do, however, have a limited ability to adapt to dry, hot climates.
Fertilizer
Spring fertilization of young ginkgo Biloba trees is beneficial. When a tree is old enough, it doesn’t need to be fed.
Uses in the Landscape
Particularly in the fall, when the leaves turn golden, ginkgo Biloba trees make excellent specimen plants. Compacted soil doesn’t bother them as much as it does other trees. They are also resistant to disease and can survive in urban environments. 1 As a result of these characteristics, as well as the small size of their leaves, these trees make excellent choices for city street plantings. They can also be found in Japanese bonsai, on the other end of the spectrum.
Male trees are preferred (unless you have allergies) for city streets and private yards because they bear no fruit. In addition to emitting a foul odor, female trees produce a seed ball that is slippery when it falls on sidewalks or driveways. Taking care of female Ginkgo biloba trees requires a lot of effort. A cherry tomato-sized “fruit” is the problem. Grafting has resulted in the creation of all-male cultivars. Purchasing one of these cultivars allows you to take pleasure in the tree’s beauty without having to deal with the hassle of maintaining it.
