Across the southeast, the golden autumn leaves of Ginkgo biloba glow in the sun like sunshine in solid form. Ginkgo, commonly known as Maidenhair Tree, may reach heights up to seventy feet, with a spread of forty feet or less. Several dwarf cultivars are available. In the Mary Snoddy garden, a 15-year-old ‘Spring Grove’ is less than six feet tall. ‘Mariken’ is even shorter, maturing at a shrub-size three feet. A variegated form is also available. Ginkgo leaves have an unusual fan shape. A recent introduction, ‘Saratoga,’ has deeply-notched drooping leaves that give it a unique appearance.

Ginkgo is a popular street tree because of its attractive pyramid shape with nicely spaced limbs. In spring and summer, the leaves are an unremarkable green before cooler temperatures and shorter days cause the onset of its golden autumn hue. Ginkgo is tolerant of all soils except bogs. Forklore says that in fall a Ginkgo will shed all its golden leaves within 24 hours. While that is not quite accurate, they do lose all their leaves in a short period, usually a week or less. This obliging habit makes them favorites for those of us who hate raking, raking and raking.

The one characteristic that is not charming is the scent of mature Ginkgo fruit, which causes people in the vicinity to check the bottom of their shoes. These plum-sized stink bombs have large seeds which, once cleaned of pulp and roasted, are considered edible delicacies in some cultures. Fortunately, only female trees bear the odoriferous fruits. Nurseries normally sell only male trees. Purchase with caution if the tag says “seedling.” You have a 50-50 chance of taking home a future stinker.

Ginkgoes are easily transplanted. They grow slowly for the first year or two but then have a growth spurt. They tolerate heat, humidity, and pollution. Grow them in full sun, zones 6-9. They are deer resistant and not troubled by diseases or insects. Site your Giinkgo near an evergreen to enjoy the maximum leaf color contrast.

Fossils prove that Ginkgoes are prehistoric plants that once shared Earth with dinosaurs. They are akin to ancient ferns and are the only surviving member of their genetic group. Herbalists use ginkgo extract to treat memory loss or erectile dysfunction. Don’t try dosing yourself at home, however, as consuming large quantities of the leaves can be toxic.