World Plants

Ginkgo biloba 'Princeton Sentry' (Princeton Sentry Ginkgo, Princeton Sentry Maidenhair Tree)

Family	Ginkgoaceae
Genus	Ginkgo
Species	biloba
Cultivar	'Princeton Sentry'
Category	Woody
Type	Tree (deciduous)
Ethnobotanical Uses Disclaimer	Traditionally, the wood of a Ginkgo tree is used to make religious articles and carvings. Some of the oldest cultivated Ginkgo trees are found surrounding Buddhist temples and religious shrines in China, eluding to their ancient religious value in certain cultures. Ginkgo’s fine, light wood is also traditionally used to top chess sets and other delicate wooden structures. Still today, in some Asian cultures, these trees are planted in gardens to signify momentous occasions. Medically, Ginkgo has been used for many centuries in ancient Chinese practices, but has also become popular in today’s pharmaceutical industry. Now in several countries, Ginkgo biloba plantations are cultivated for medicinal purposes. Traditionally, the fruit is cooked and used for curing respiratory ailments. The dried fruit can also be eaten however consuming too much will cause poisoning. Dried leaves and leaf extracts are widely used as herbs, and can be found commonly in health food stores.

General Description	Ginkgo biloba 'Princeton Sentry' is a woody, deciduous coniferous tree with interesting, fan-shaped leaves that turn golden yellow in autumn.
Shape	Upright, narrowly conical.
Landscape	Makes a good street or shade tree. Effective in parks and in commercial areas where it is tolerant of harsh conditions.
Cultivation	Grow in full sun, in average, moist, well-drained, sandy soil. Tolerant of acidic, alkaline and compacted soils, saline, heat and air pollution.
Pests	No serious pests or diseases of note.
Notable Specimens	The Gardens of Fanshawe College, London, Ontario, Canada.
Habitat	Horticultural origin.
Leaf Description	Fan-shaped, bi-lobed, green turning uniformly golden yellow in autumn.
Flower Description	Ginkgo trees are dioecious, meaning they are either male or female but never both. This particular cultivar is male and therefore does not produce flowers.
Fruit Description	Since it does not produce flowers, there is no fruit.