Ginkgo biloba 'Princeton Sentry' (Princeton Sentry Ginkgo, Princeton Sentry Maidenhair Tree)
Botanical Information
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. |
Details
USDA Hardiness Zone | 6b - 7a |
USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
Canadian Hardiness Zone | 6 |
Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
RHS Hardiness Zone | H6 |
RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
Temperature (°C) | -21 - (-15) |
Temperature (°F) | -5 - 5 |
Height | 12 - 15 m |
Spread | 6 - 9 m |
Growth | Medium |
Flowering Period | April |
Description and Growing Information
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. |
Photographs
Awards
![](images/RHS_logo.jpg)