HALKA MAIDENHAIR TREE
Ginkgo biloba 'Halka'
FAMILY Ginkgoaceae
SYNONYMS
ADDITIONAL COMMON NAMES
HALKA GINKGO
See: all Ginkgo
GENERAL INFO
The ginkgo is unique among all plants as a lone survivor from the time of the dinosaurs. One of the world’s oldest remaining species, its closest relatives went extinct millions of years ago. It can be readily identified by its fan-shaped leaves, an extract of which has been used for centuries to improve brain function. The ginkgo is popular in temperate cities all over the world because of its resilience to the tribulations of urban life, and for its golden fall leaf color. Most cultivated trees are now grafted males because the overripe fleshy seeds of female trees have a foul stench, reminiscent of vomit and dog feces. Ginkgo may have become extinct in the wild sometime in the past few thousand years, only surviving in cultivation in China and later in Japan, where some trees are over one thousand years old. Some authorities believe that remnant wild stands still survive in the mountains of southeastern China.
Native range: ChinaHorticultural use: Buffer Strip or Street Tree or Bonsai
Native range: ChinaHorticultural use: Buffer Strip or Street Tree or Bonsai
TREE CHARACTERISTICS
Tree Shape: Conical or RoundedFoliage Type: DeciduousMaximum Tree Height: 45 feetCanopy Width: 40 feetGrowth Rate: ~12-24 in/yearLeaf Arrangement and Leaf Form: Alternate, SimpleLeaf Shape: Fan-shapedLeaf color: GreenFall Color: Yes
SITE CONDITIONS
Recommended Planting Area: 4' to 7'Water Use Rating: MediumSunset Climate Zone: 1 - 10, 12, 14 - 24Shade Tolerance: NoUSDA Hardiness Zone: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8Soil Texture: Loam or Sand or ClaySoil pH: Acidic to AlkalineSalt Tolerance: Moderate
CONSIDERATIONS
Root Damage Potential: LowDisease Resistance and Pest Resistance: Armillaria, Root RotUtility Friendly: No
External Resources
CITE THIS TREE
"SelecTree. UFEI. "Ginkgo biloba 'Halka' Tree Record." 1995-2025. Cal
Poly State University, San Luis Obispo. Accessed on Apr 4, 2025."
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/661 >
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/661 >
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