tree

Saratoga Maidenhair Tree

Ginkgo biloba 'Saratoga'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

420 inches

Width

300 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Very long-lived

Native To

China

Toxicity

Seeds from female trees are toxic if eaten raw

The Story

Plant Bio

Ginkgo biloba, the maidenhair tree, is a unique deciduous tree with no close living relatives, often called a 'living fossil'. It is known for its distinctive fan-shaped leaves and incredible resilience. 'Saratoga' is a distinctive male cultivar noted for its heavily textured, deeply incised leaves that resemble a fishtail, giving it a lacy appearance. It has a semi-pendulous branching habit and a more compact, pyramidal form than the species.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

The 'Saratoga' ginkgo is a tree of refined beauty. Its most striking feature is the deeply lobed, fishtail-like foliage, which creates a delicate, lacy texture throughout the summer. In fall, the entire canopy transforms into a stunning, uniform butter-yellow, making it a spectacular specimen.

As a tough, adaptable, and pest-free tree, it is an excellent low-maintenance choice for residential lawns, parks, and street plantings. Its moderate size and pyramidal shape make it suitable for a variety of landscape scales.

The ginkgo's resilience and tolerance of urban pollution make it a sustainable choice for challenging city environments where other trees might fail. It stands as a testament to endurance, connecting modern landscapes to the prehistoric past.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

We couldn't find this plant listed online right now.

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun for optimal growth and fall color.
Ginkgos are tolerant of a wide range of soils.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper.
Place the tree in the hole, ensuring it is vertical.
Backfill with native soil and water thoroughly.
Water weekly during the first growing season to establish.

Pro Tip

Give it space to develop its graceful, semi-pendulous branches. Its unique foliage is best appreciated when it's not crowded by other plants.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun exposure.
Water deeply but infrequently once established.
Mulch the root zone to conserve moisture.
Be patient, as it is slow to establish.

Don't

Do not plant in poorly drained or boggy soils.
Avoid excessive fertilization.
Don't prune heavily, which can ruin its natural form.
Do not plant near power lines without considering its mature height.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Elegant specimen tree for lawnsUnique foliage accent in parksHandsome and durable street tree

Companion Plants

Fothergilla Itea virginica Geranium macrorrhizum Hakonechloa macra Spiraea

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Saratoga Maidenhair Tree questions

What zones can Saratoga Maidenhair Tree grow in?

Saratoga Maidenhair Tree is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Saratoga Maidenhair Tree deer resistant?

Yes — Saratoga Maidenhair Tree is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Saratoga Maidenhair Tree bloom?

Saratoga Maidenhair Tree typically blooms in mid-spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Saratoga Maidenhair Tree need full sun?

Saratoga Maidenhair Tree does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Saratoga Maidenhair Tree drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Saratoga Maidenhair Tree handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.