Ginko Tree (Ginkgo biloba)

Ginkgo is a hardy, pest-resistant, and attractive large tree. It has unusual fan-shaped leaves that turn vivid yellow in fall. Only male trees should be purchased, as the females produce seeds with a soft, fruitlike covering that can be messy and have a potent odor. 

Family (English)GinkgoFamily (botanic)GinkgoaceaePlanting siteCity parkway, Residential and parks, Restricted sites, Wide medianTree or plant typeTreeFoliageDeciduous (seasonally loses leaves)Native localeNon-nativeSize rangeLarge tree (more than 40 feet)Mature height50-80 feetMature widthVariableLight exposureFull sun (6 hrs direct light daily)Hardiness zonesZone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9Soil preferenceMoist, well-drained soilTolerancesAlkaline soil, Clay soil, Dry sites, Occasional drought, Road saltSeason of interestEarly summer, midsummer, late summer, early fall, mid fallFlower color and fragranceInconspicuousShape or formBroad, Pyramidal, UprightGrowth rateSlowTransplants wellYesPlanting considerationsMessy fruit/plant partsHas cultivarsYes