Single-stemmed deciduous tree
Native to China
Mature height 35-80 feet; grows straight and tall, making it an attractive choice for a ornamental tree
Leaves are a distinctive fan shape and it.
Fruits and fall leaves are a bright yellow, and both of them are sought after to use as dietary supplements.
Despite being a common choice for urban street plantings, it is intolerant of poor conditions such as shade, salt and acidic soil.
Sentimental and Symbolic Value
Seen as a symbol of peace, hope, life, and love in east Asian cultures and features extensively in Asian art.
It was often featured in sacred Chinese art, such as in the 5th century AD mural Seven Worthies of the Bamboo Grove and Rong Qiqi on a acred Chinese tomb. The "seven worthies" represented here are said to be a scholarly clan who led a large Doaist revitalization during the unstable and persecutory Jin Period (266-420).
Its symbolism as a tree of life and hope became popularized after the 1945 atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Japan, when a handful of gingko trees survived the blast. This led to it gaining the nickname "bearer of hope".
Specimen photographed found in South Boston, Massachusetts. Part of the Urban Trees assignment (9/29/2021).
Plant History and Etymology
The genus name Ginkgo comes from the Japanese gin kyo, meaning "silver apricot", and the species name is of Latin origin, meaning "two lobes". The ginkgo is one of the oldest tree species in the world and was widely distributed before receding to a small habitat in eastern Asia. It is now considered extinct in the wild, and it is unknown if any wild populations exist. It was brought to the US and elsewhere in the West in the 18th century where it began to be used as an ornamental tree cherished for its interesting shape and beautiful leaves, but it is has not been naturalized anywhere outside of Asia.
Design Considerations
The ginkgo has very unique aesthetic features that lend itself to working well various types of designs. Its shape is formal enough to fit in a formal garden or other location, such as green-lined streets, which the tree's shape and uprightness are a concern. It flowers in the spring and has aesthetic interest throughout all seasons but winter. It is especially attractive in the autumn, when its leaves turn to vibrant yellow or deep gold. It does not provide many ecological services like phytoremediation or nitrogen fixation, but it isn't invasive nor very competitive so it could still be a good choice for a sustainability-focused designer.
Sources
“USDA Plants Database.” 2021. Usda.gov. 2021. https://plants.sc.egov.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=GIBI2.
“Ginkgo Biloba (Ginkgo, Maidenhair Tree) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox.” 2021. Ncsu.edu. 2021. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ginkgo-biloba/.
“Omeka@CTL | UVM Tree Profiles : Ginkgo : A Symbol in Art and Literature throughout the Ages.” 2011. Uvm.edu. 2011. http://libraryexhibits.uvm.edu/omeka/exhibits/show/uvmtrees/ginkgo/introtoartlit#:~:text=The%20ginkgo%20leaf%20and%20tree,going%20back%20to%20ancient%20times.&text=Most%20notably%20the%20ginkgo%20has,symbol%20of%20love%20and%20duality..
“A-Bombed Ginkgo Trees in Hiroshima, Japan.” 2016. Xs4all.nl. 2016. https://kwanten.home.xs4all.nl/hiroshima.htm.
“Out of China: Distribution History of Ginkgo Biloba L. On JSTOR.” 2021. Neu.edu. 2021. https://www-jstor-org.ezproxy.neu.edu/stable/25677607?seq=2#metadata_info_tab_contents.