The ginkgo tree (Ginkgo biloba) is not just “bilobed” (as its name suggests), but also dioecious—meaning it needs both a male and a female tree to reproduce. And let me tell you, it’s a space hog! A single tree requires as much room as two full-sized family homes. This “family-oriented” tree only produces offspring when a female tree is nearby, and when that happens, the whole area turns into a dense little ginkgo forest. The tree’s fruit, technically called drupes, are edible (though some people find their smell questionable) and are a favorite snack for squirrels and other critters. If the fruit isn’t eaten, the seeds can germinate and sprout new baby ginkgos. So, in a way, this ancient tree “goes on an adventure” by hitching a ride through the landscape in the bellies (or paws) of animals.
How to Grow Ginkgo
Unfortunately, ginkgo trees don’t spread naturally in most places—at least, not easily. The best way to grow one is to buy a young tree from a nursery, shell out a few bucks, and plant it in deep, nutrient-rich soil with plenty of space (about 65 feet between each tree, if you’re feeling ambitious). In its early years, ginkgo needs plenty of watering—if it gets thirsty, it’ll let you know by crinkling up its leaves and drooping in a rather tragic, woe-is-me kind of way. Otherwise, it’s a tough, majestic, and seriously dignified tree. It provides excellent shade, laughs in the face of strong winds, and—get this—even survives tornadoes! (True story: a tornado took the roof off our house, but our ginkgo? It bent completely sideways, then just popped right back up like nothing happened.)
Health Benefits
Regular use of ginkgo can:
✅ Reduce ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
✅ Help with Ménière’s disease symptoms
✅ Improve circulation, especially in diabetics
✅ Support nerve and hormone-related vascular issues
✅ Slow down neurodegenerative processes
✅ Boost memory and cognitive function
✅ Counteract artery hardening, lowering heart attack risk
✅ Improve blood flow even in long-time smokers
✅ Enhance brainpower in older adults—delaying retirement and even staving off dementia!
It’s also a powerhouse when it comes to stroke prevention and recovery. Talk about a botanical superfood!
Harvesting Ginkgo Leaves
You can harvest ginkgo leaves as long as they’re on the tree, but timing matters. Young leaves (right after they unfurl) have more chlorophyll but fewer flavonoids. As summer rolls on, flavonoid levels rise, and by autumn, both chlorophyll and flavonoids drop before the golden leaves eventually tumble to the ground.
The best way to harvest? Snip off clusters of leaves, but leave at least one in each bunch—so the tree doesn’t think you’re out to annihilate it. (Yes, I’m anthropomorphizing, but humor me.) If you trim wisely, the tree will actually grow back fuller next year. In fact, if you skip a year between big harvests, you’ll help shape a well-balanced canopy—plus, in time, your ginkgo will grow into a magnificent park-worthy tree. Just imagine yourself sitting on a bench under its golden autumn leaves, sipping tea, and feeling very pleased with your gardening skills.
