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No tree literally lays eggs. Ginkgo’s nickname refers to its unusual-looking seeds: female trees produce seeds wrapped in a fleshy, yellowish outer coat that can resemble an egg or fruit. Botanically, these are seeds—not animal eggs or true fruits.
What does “the tree that laid eggs” mean?
Ginkgo biloba is a seed plant with separate male and female trees. As the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew puts it, “Male and female trees are separate;” Male trees produce pollen-bearing structures; fertilized female trees bear seeds with a fleshy outer coat. The egg comparison is a vivid nickname for those conspicuous structures, not a description of animal-like egg laying. Kew’s Plants of the World Online profile identifies the species and describes its reproductive features.
What are the things that fall from a female ginkgo?
They are seeds, not fruit. The seed has a yellowish, fleshy outer coat that can look fruit-like. Kew notes that seeds fall in autumn; as the coat decays, it gives off a rancid-butter-like smell. That odor is associated with the coat, not a reason to mistake the seed for an egg or fruit.
How do male and female ginkgo trees differ?
| Tree | Reproductive role | Conspicuous coated seeds |
|---|---|---|
| Male | Produces pollen-bearing structures | Does not bear the seed-bearing structures described for fertilized female trees |
| Female | After fertilization, bears seeds with a fleshy outer coat | Yes; the seeds fall in autumn |
Kew notes that male trees are usually selected for cultivation because female trees produce strong-smelling coated seeds. That practical difference helps explain why a street or garden ginkgo may not produce the familiar fallen seeds.
#1 Best Overall
- 1. Grow Your Own Ginkgo Tree – Includes 10 premium Ginkgo biloba seeds for planting. Also known as Maidenhair Tree, this long-living ornamental tree is valued for its unique fan-shaped leaves and beautiful golden fall color.
- 2. Heirloom Non-GMO Seeds – High-quality, non-GMO tree seeds suitable for home gardens, yards, landscaping projects, and bonsai growing. Great for gardeners who enjoy growing rare and unique trees from seed.
- 3. Cold Stratification Recommended – For best germination results, soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours, then cold stratify in moist sand or peat moss for 6–8 weeks before planting.
- 4. Adaptable and Easy to Grow – Ginkgo trees can thrive in full sun to partial shade and prefer loose, well-drained soil. Once established, they are drought tolerant and suitable for many climates.
- 5. Ideal for Outdoor Planting – Perfect for backyard gardens, landscape borders, park-style plantings, and tree collections. Mature trees provide shade, seasonal color, and an attractive natural appearance.
Why is ginkgo considered ancient?
Kew reports that Ginkgo fossils are common in Jurassic and Cretaceous rocks and describes the living species as a survivor of an ancient group. “Living fossil” is sometimes used as shorthand for that long fossil record and the survival of a distinctive lineage; it does not mean that ginkgo has remained literally unchanged. Kew lists Ginkgo biloba as the genus’s one accepted living species and gives China (Zhejiang) as its native range.
Are ginkgo seeds safe to eat?
Kew notes that ginkgo seeds are eaten in some cuisines, but also warns that ginkgotoxin in the seeds may cause poisoning unless they are thoroughly cooked. That is a specific caution, not a complete guide to safe preparation or consumption.
Rank #2
- Unique fan-shaped leaves that add a distinctive look to your landscape
- Beautiful golden-yellow foliage in the fall that creates a stunning visual display
- Tolerant of a wide range of soil types and urban conditions and known for its air-purifying qualities
- Long-lived tree that can thrive for decades with minimal care
- Symbol of strength and longevity, making it a meaningful addition to any garden
How large and old can a ginkgo tree get?
In its living profile, Kew reports that ginkgo can grow up to 40 metres tall, may take 20–35 years to reach maturity and begin bearing seeds, and that the oldest recorded individual is 3,500 years old. These are figures reported by Kew, not guarantees for an individual tree or measurements of every population.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Grow your own bonsai tree from seed!
- Includes absolutely everything you need to grow a Ginkgo biloba from seed: seeds, growing medium, a mini-greenhouse, and detailed instructions
- 100% guaranteed: If your seed fails to germinate or your seedling perishes, we are happy to provide free replacement seed
- Great for kids and adults, amateurs to experts!
- A universal symbol of life, regrowth and recovery, enduring friendships and new beginnings, a tree is a wonderful gift that will only grow in value, meaning, and beauty
Rank #4
- This is one of the first trees to change colors in the autumn months. While other trees are still green, the Ginkgo transitions to a fluorescent yellow.
- The Ginkgo biloba is often call a "living fossil". Considered one of the oldest living types of trees. It is a very long lived tree.
- Its growth rate is considered slow to moderate. Trees are either male or female, with only females producing seed-bearing fruits.The trees are easy to propagate from seed.
- Ginkgo Biloba like to have plenty of water. It likes sun but will tolerate some shade. Pest and disease free, and ignored by deer.
- Place the seeds in the refrigerator to cold stratify for one to two months. When the stratification period is over, remove the seeds and lightly sand the seed coats—not too much, just enough to allow water to penetrate. Place them in a bowl of water and let sit for 24 hours. The next day,Plant the seeds very shallowly - just cover them with sand. Place the pots indoors in a light area but out of direct sunlight, and keep the soil moist but not wet.
Rank #3
- Unique fan-shaped leaves that add a distinctive look to your landscape
- Beautiful golden-yellow foliage in the fall that creates a stunning visual display
- Tolerant of a wide range of soil types and urban conditions and known for its air-purifying qualities
- Long-lived tree that can thrive for decades with minimal care
- Symbol of strength and longevity, making it a meaningful addition to any garden
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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