Ginkgo Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Ginkgoaceae family, native to China (relict; truly wild populations uncertain). It grows 10–20 m (33–66 ft) tall and 6–12 m (20–39 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -32 °C (-26 °F). Space plants about 9 m (30 ft) apart.
Plan Ginkgo in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Ginkgo at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Ginkgoaceae |
| Mature height | 10–20 m (33–66 ft) |
| Mature spread | 6–12 m (20–39 ft) |
| Spacing | 9 m (30 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -32 °C (-26 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 1–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Yes: seed kernels (cooked, small amounts only) |
| Native to | China (relict; truly wild populations uncertain) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇳 China, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇰🇷 South Korea |
Is Ginkgo toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: fleshy seed coat, raw seeds
Fruit pulp causes contact dermatitis and raw or excess seeds contain ginkgotoxin, which can trigger seizures; pet toxicity is not well documented.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Ginkgo
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
See Ginkgo in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- UC Botanical Garden, Berkeley (1 plants)
- Fairy Lake Botanical Garden (1 plants)
- Longwood Gardens (1 plants)
- Jardin botanique de Montréal (2 plants)
Questions about Ginkgo
- How far apart should I plant Ginkgo?
- About 9 m (30 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 6–12 m (20–39 ft).
- Does Ginkgo need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Ginkgo need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Ginkgo?
- It tolerates about -32 °C (-26 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Ginkgo flower?
- From about April for 1–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Ginkgo poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people moderately toxic. Fruit pulp causes contact dermatitis and raw or excess seeds contain ginkgotoxin, which can trigger seizures; pet toxicity is not well documented.
- What grows well with Ginkgo?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Ginkgo. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Trees are dioecious; plant named male selections to avoid the foul-smelling fruit of females.
- Slow to reach full size; typical garden form at 30-40 years.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Japanese maple Acer palmatum
- Black walnut Juglans nigra
- English yew Taxus baccata
- Serviceberry Amelanchier canadensis
- Japanese flowering cherry Prunus serrulata
- Saucer magnolia Magnolia x soulangeana
- Silver birch Betula pendula