Reiman’s Pick
A Living Fossil: Ginkgo biloba
Elizabeth Childs, Reiman Gardens
What is a million year old fossil doing in the Conservatory at Reiman Gardens? Growing, of course! Ginkgo biloba, sometimes referred to as the maidenhair tree, is a living fossil, with fossil relatives dating back to more than 200 million years ago. This prehistoric plant is the only living member of the family Ginkgoaceae, which survived under the protection of Chinese monks, long after its few relatives had gone extinct.
This elegant tree can reach heights up to 100 feet and has an upright form. Fancy, smooth, two-lobed leaves decorate the tree, giving it the name biloba. Ginkgo trees are gymnosperms and do not flower or produce fruit. However, females still produce seeds that are partially covered in a fleshy skin and can be quite messy in a landscape, plus have a foul odor. When possible a male tree or named cultivar should be selected. Ginkgo trees are referred to as either “male” or “female” because of the male and female flowers on separate trees. The ginkgo leaves turn a nice golden yellow in the autumn before falling for the winter.
Ginkgo trees are hardy in zones 3 to 9. Once native to the northern hemisphere, ginkgos are well adapted to Iowa conditions being both wind and salt tolerant plus drought-resistant.
Available Ginkgo biloba cultivars provide excellent trees for the landscape. Along with its excellent tolerances mentioned above, it is an attractive tree in a landscape; just remember 100 foot trees require room to grow. This tree is quite adaptable and appropriate for many locations such as yards, parks, street sides, and gardens.
There are many examples of ginkgos growing at Reiman Gardens. Explore ginkgos in the Gardens’ permanent collections or view them nestled in among the tropical plants and other living fossils of the Conservatory before the Landscape Before Time display goes extinct!
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