Woody > Ginkgo > Ginkgo biloba > Ginkgo biloba 'Saratoga'

Family

Ginkgoaceae

Genus

Ginkgo

Species

biloba

Cultivar

'Saratoga'

Category

Woody

Type

Tree (deciduous)

USDA Hardiness Zone

4

Canadian Hardiness Zone

2 - 5a

RHS Hardiness Zone

H7

Temperature (°C)

-35 - (-29)

Temperature (°F)

-30 - (-20)

Height

40 m

Photographs

Awards

Description and Growing Information

Flowering Period

Landscape

Excellent as either a specimen tree or as a street tree, as it is resistant to urban pollution.

Cultivation

Grow in any well-drained soil on a sheltered site, although tends to do best in climates with hot summers.

Growth

Medium

Pests

Resistant to most pests and diseases.

Habitat

Horticultural origin.

Notable Specimens

Royal Botanical Gardens, Burlington, Ontario, Canada.

Propagation

Male cultivars are propagated through half-ripe cuttings in summer or hardwood cuttings in spring.

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.

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