The Ginkgo biloba, often called the maidenhair tree, is a unique deciduous species celebrated for its distinctive fan-shaped leaves and brilliant golden autumn color. As a “living fossil,” the ginkgo is extraordinarily hardy, exhibiting remarkable tolerance to urban pollution, pests, and disease. This ancient tree makes a striking addition to any landscape, but selecting the right specimen requires understanding the purchasing options and characteristics of the species.
Different Retail Sources and Suppliers
The most direct way to acquire a ginkgo tree is through a local, independent garden center or nursery, where you can physically inspect the tree before purchase. These sources typically offer containerized stock, meaning the tree is actively growing in soil and ready for immediate planting with minimal transplant shock. Local experts can also provide region-specific advice on planting and care.
Online specialty nurseries provide a wider selection of specific cultivars that local centers may not carry, including rare dwarf or columnar forms. These trees are often shipped either as containerized plants or as bare-root stock, which are younger, dormant trees dug up with the soil washed away from the roots. Bare-root trees are usually more economical and involve lower shipping costs, but they require careful handling and must be planted immediately upon arrival.
Other sources include conservation groups or mail-order programs, which often sell very young saplings or “whips.” While these young trees are the least expensive option, they require several years of growth and careful nurturing to reach an established size. Always verify the seller’s reputation for accurate labeling and shipping healthy, high-quality stock.
Essential Considerations Before Buying
The most important decision when buying a ginkgo is selecting a male tree to avoid the malodorous fruit produced by female trees. Female ginkgos produce seeds encased in a fleshy coating containing butyric acid, which emits a foul, rancid odor when dropped. Since it takes up to two decades for a seedling to reveal its gender, nearly all commercially sold, fruitless ginkgos are male clones propagated through grafting.
To ensure you receive a male tree, look for named male cultivars like ‘Princeton Sentry’ or ‘Autumn Gold,’ which are guaranteed to be fruitless. ‘Princeton Sentry’ is a popular choice for its narrow, fastigiate form, making it suitable for street-side planting or tighter spaces. In contrast, ‘Autumn Gold’ offers a broader, more rounded canopy for shade.
Buyers must also consider the trade-off between the tree’s size and its establishment time. Smaller, younger trees (1 to 2 feet tall) are easier to plant and less expensive, but they are slower to establish and take many years to provide shade. Larger, high-caliper trees offer instant impact but come with a higher price tag and an increased risk of transplant shock.
Pricing and Seasonal Availability
The price of a ginkgo tree is directly correlated with its size, age, and cultivar rarity. A small, unnamed bare-root sapling (1 to 2 feet) may cost between $20 and $35, while a 5 to 6-foot containerized, named male cultivar can range from $70 to over $150. Specialty dwarf or variegated cultivars, regardless of size, often command premium prices due to their slower growth rate and specialized propagation.
The best time to plant a ginkgo is during its dormant season, typically in early spring or in the fall after the leaves have dropped. Nurseries often have the best selection of bare-root stock available for pre-order in late winter, with shipping scheduled for early spring planting. Purchasing online may involve substantial shipping costs, especially for larger containerized trees, so factor this into the total investment.