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| ## Ginkgo {#ginkgo .Title-Header}                                     |
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| *Ginkgo* species                                                      |
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| Plant Symbol = GINKG                                                  |
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*Contributed by: USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center*

![](media/image2.jpeg){width="3.0in" height="2.25in"}

Wikipedia ® the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc.

# Alternative Names

*Ginkgo biloba* L., maidenhair tree

# Uses

**NOTE: Ingesting seeds may be toxic.**

*Commercial use:* The Ginkgo wood is of little value due to its
scarcity. It is lightweight, brittle, yellow and in China and Japan, is
used for chess sets, chopping blocks and firewood. The leaves are
harvested for uses as a blood thinner and to treat circulatory
illnesses.

*Medical use: T*he extract from the Ginkgo leaves contains
[flavonoid](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flavonoid) glycosides, and
[ginkgolides](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginkgolide). The extract is
said to be a [memory](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memory) enhancer, and
anti-[vertigo](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vertigo) agent. There are
three effects on the human body: (1) it improves blood flow (including
microcirculation in small capillaries) to most tissues and organs; (2)
it protects against oxidative cell damage from free radicals
([antioxidant](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antioxidant)); and (3) it
blocks many of the effects of PAF (platelet aggregation, blood clotting)
that have been related to the development of a number of cardiovascular,
renal, respiratory and CNS (Central Nervous System) disorders.

Ginkgo is also added in small amounts to [energy
drinks](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_drink), but it does not
produce a noticeable effect, except as a placebo, or marketing tool from
Ginkgo being listed on the label.

*Side Effects:* There are some undesirable effects of Ginkgo for
individuals with blood circulation disorders, and those taking
[anti-coagulants](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-coagulant) (i.e.,
[aspirin](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aspirin),
[warfarin](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warfarin)). Recent studies have
found that ginkgo has little or no effect on the anticoagulant
properties or pharmacodynamics of warfarin. Ginkgo should not be used by
people who are taking the
[anti-depressant](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-depressant) drugs,
[monoamine oxidase
inhibitors](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monoamine_oxidase_inhibitor)
(MAOI) or by [pregnant](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pregnant) women.
Ginkgo side effects include possible increased risk of bleeding,
gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches,
dizziness, and restlessness. If any side effects are experienced, stop
immediately taking Ginkgo supplements and consult your doctor.

### *Culinary use:* The Ginkgo nut-like gametophytes inside the seeds are a traditional Chinese food often served at weddings. They are believed to have health benefits or have [**aphrodisiac**](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aphrodisiac) qualities. Japanese cooks add Ginkgo seeds to dishes such as [**chawammushi**](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chawammushi), and cooked seeds are often eaten along with other dishes..

### When eaten by children, in large quantities over a long period of time, the raw gametophyte (meat) of the seed can cause poisoning by MPN (4-methoxypyridoxine), which is heat-stable. Studies have demonstrated that convulsions caused by MPN can be prevented or terminated with pyridoxine. Some people are sensitive to the chemicals in the sarcotesta, the outer fleshy coating. These people should handle the seeds with care by wearing disposable gloves when preparing the seeds for consumption. The symptoms are [**dermatitis**](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dermatitis) or [**blisters**](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blister) similar to that caused by contact with [**poison ivy**](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poison-ivy_(plant)). Seeds with the fleshy coating removed are perfectly safe to handle.

# Status

Please consult the PLANTS Web site and your State Department of Natural
Resources for this plant's current status (e.g. threatened or endangered
species, state noxious status, and wetland indicator values).

#####  {#section .Header-3}

# Description

*General:* The Ginkgo is a medium to large tree that reaches 20--35m
tall, although some specimens in China are over 50m tall. Ginkgo trees
often have angular crown and long, somewhat erratic branches. They are
usually deep rooted and resistant to wind and snow damage. Young trees
are often tall and slender, and sparsely branched, and the crown becomes
broader as the tree ages. Some old Ginkgos produce aerial roots, known
as *chichi* (Japanese;
\"[nipples](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nipple)\") or *zhong-ru*
(Chinese), which form on the undersides of large branches and grow
downwards. Chichi growth is very slow, and may take hundreds of years to
occur. The function, if any, of these thick aerial roots is unknown.

Ginkgo branches grow in length by growth of shoots with regularly spaced
leaves. From the [axils](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Axil) of these
leaves, \"spur shoots\" (also known as short shoots) develop on
second-year growth. Short shoots have very short internodes (so that
several years\' growth may only extend them by a centimeter or two) and
their leaves are ordinarily unlobed. They are short and knobby, and are
arranged regularly on the branches except on first-year growth. Because
of the short internodes, leaves appear to be clustered at the tips of
short shoots, and reproductive structures are formed only on them.

The [leaves](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leaf) are unique among seed
plants, being fan-shaped with veins radiating out into the leaf blade,
sometimes bifurcating (splitting), but never anastomosing to form a
network. Two veins enter the leaf blade at the base and fork repeatedy
in two. This is known as dichotomous venation. The leaves are 5-10 cm
(rarely to 15 cm) long. The old popular name \"Maidenhair tree\" is
because the leaves resemble some of the pinnae of the [Maidenhair
fern](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maidenhair_fern) *Adiantum
capillus-veneris*.

Leaves of long shoots are usually notched or lobed, but only from the
outer surface between the veins. They are borne both on the more rapidly
growing branch tips, where they are alternate and spaced out, and also
on the short, stubby spur shoots, where they are clustered at the tips.
During summer, the leaves are a deep green, turning to brilliant yellow
in the fall. They generally remain yellow for a time, then suddenly drop
most of their leaves in what can seem like overnight.

*Distribution*:

For current distribution, please consult the Plant Profile page for this
species on the PLANTS Web site.

*Habitat*: The ginkgo is a drought-resistant, adaptable species, and is
very cold hardy thriving. It is also very pH adaptable, tolerates air
pollution and soil salt pollution, making it an ideal candidate for
adverse urban conditions. It will grow in almost any conditions, it
prefers deep, sandy, moist soil and requires full sun.

# Adaptation

Ginkgo is a slow-grower adaptable, hardy tree for use as a specimen or
grown in groups for commercial production. It transplants well,
establishes easily and is often planted in parks, arboreta and botanical
gardens as a point of interest. Male cultivars are preferable, as not
only is the odor of the fallen seeds unpleasant, but the abundant crops
can also be very messy. Cultivars include \'Fastigiata,\' a male form
with an upright, columnar habit; \'Fairmont,\' a narrow, pyramidal male
form; and \'Shangri-la,\' a fast-growing form with a compact crown and
good fall color.

# Establishment

Ginkgos are [dioecious](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plant_sexuality)
with separate female and male sexes. Male plants produce small [pollen
cones](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conifer_cone) with
[sporophylls](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sporophyll), each bearing two
[microsporangia](http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Microsporangium&action=edit)
spirally arranged around a central axis. Female plants do not produce
cones. Two [ovules](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ovule) are formed at
the end of a stalk, and after
[pollination](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pollination), one or both
develop into seeds.

The seed is 1.5-2 cm long. Its outer layer, the
[sarcotesta](http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sarcotesta&action=edit)
is light yellow-brown, soft, and
[fruit](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fruit)-like. It is plum like and
attractive, but the seedcoat contains [butanoic
acid](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butanoic_acid), and smells like
rancid [butter](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butter) when fallen on the
ground. Beneath the sarcotesta is the hard
[sclerotesta](http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sclerotesta&action=edit),
and a papery
[endotesta](http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Endotesta&action=edit)
and
[nucellus](http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Nucellus&action=edit).

The fertilization of ginkgo seeds is unusual in that it utilizes motile
sperm; [cycads](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cycad) are the only other
seed plants with this feature. It was first discovered by the Japanese
botanist [Sakugoro
Hirase](http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sakugoro_Hirase&action=edit)
in the early 1900s. When the pollen reaches the pollen chamber, two
sperm are produced, one of which goes on to fertilize the ovule. The
fertilization of ginkgo seeds is complete by the time they fall in
autumn.

# Pests and Potential Problems

The Ginkgo is disease resistance, insect-resistant wood and has the
ability to form aerial roots and sprouts. This means the Ginkgo lives
long, with some specimens claimed to be more than 2,500 years old; a
3,000 year-old.

# Cultivars, Improved, and Selected Materials (and area of origin)

Ginkgos were once native throughout the Northern Hemisphere, but were
rendered extinct in North America and Europe during the Pleistocene Ice
Age. They survived in the Yangste River valley in eastern China where
they still grow today. The ginkgo has been cultivated for centuries in
China and Japan and it is a sacred tree in the Far East. It grows well
in Minnesota, Georgia, and Florida and in zones 8 and 9 of the
southeast. It is a common urban planting in many Iowa cities.

Contact your local Natural Resources Conservation Service (formerly Soil
Conservation Service) office for more information. Look in the phone
book under "United States Government." The Natural Resources
Conservation Service will be listed under the subheading "Department of
Agriculture."

# References

Bartram, T. 1995 *Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine*, Grace Publishers,
Bournemouth.

Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J, Eds. *Herbal Medicine: Expanded
Commission E Monographs*. Newton, MA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins;
2000:359-366 pp.

Bremness, L. 1994. *Herbs*, Dorling Kindersley Eyewitness Handbook,
London.

Chevallier, A. 1996. *The Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants*, Dorling
Kindersley, London.

Coates P, Blackman M, Cragg G, et al., Eds. *Encyclopedia of Dietary
Supplements*. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker. 2005. Accessed at Dekker
Encyclopedias on September 9, 2005. 249-257pp.

Corrigan, D. 1993 *Ancient Medicine: Ginkgo biloba*, Amberwood
Publishing, Christchurch

De Smet PA.2002. [*Herbal
remedies*](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=12490687&query_hl=3).
*New England Journal of Medicine*. 2002. 347(25): 2046-2056 pp..

Ernest, E, Canter PH, Coon JT. 2005. *Does ginkgo biloba increase the
risk of bleeding?* A systematic review of case reports. Perfusion**.**

Kleijen, J. & Knipschild, P. 1992 *Ginkgo biloba, in The Lancet,* 1992,
Vol.340, 1136-1139 pp.

Lewington, A., & Parker, E. 1999. *Ancient Trees.* London: Collins &
Brown Ltd.

Newall, C.A., Anderson, L.A., & Phillipson, J.D. *1996 Herbal Medicines:
A Guide for Health-care Professionals*, The Pharmaceutical Press, London

Ody, P. 1993 *The Herb Society\'s Complete Medicinal Herbal*, Dorling
Kindersley, London.

Rogers, S.K. 1995 *British and Chinese Herbal Pharmacopoeia*, Healthlink
Software Systems, Queensland, Australia

Solomon PR, Adams F, Silver A, et al. 2002. [*Ginkgo for memory
enhancement: a randomized controlled
trial*](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=12186600&query_hl=1).
*Journal of the American Medical Association*. 2002; 288(7): 835-840 pp.

Weiss, R.F. 1991 *Herbal Medicine*, Beaconsfield Arcanum, Beaconsfield.

Witkam, L. and I. Ramzan. 2004. *\"Ginkgo biloba in the treatment of
Alzheimer's disease: A miracle cure?\"*. *From Cell to Society*.

Wren, R.C. 1988 *Potter\'s New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs and
Preparations*, C.W.Daniel, Saffron Walden.

Xuemin Jiang *et al*. 2005. [*Effect of ginkgo and ginger on the
pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of warfarin in healthy
subjects*](http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/links/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2125.2005.02322.x).
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.

**Prepared By:**

Lincoln M. Moore

USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Jeffrey D. Walker Wilson

Earth team volunteer

USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

**Species Coordinator:**

Lincoln M. Moore

USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Edited: 060803 jsp

For more information about this and other plants, please contact your
local NRCS field office or Conservation District, and visit the PLANTS
Web site\<[http://plants.usda.gov](http://plants.usda.gov/)\> or the
Plant Materials Program Web site
\<[http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov](http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov/)\>

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Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence
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#