Maidenhair Tree ‘Autumn Gold’ (Ginkgo biloba ‘Autumn Gold’)

Maidenhair tree ‘Autumn Gold’ is distinct for its bright yellow autumn foliage. A cultivar of Ginkgo biloba, it is named for that foliage, which dazzles the eye both on the tree and after it falls, carpeting the surrounding area. This is a fruitless male cultivar. It serves as an excellent backdrop or shade tree.

I. Appearance and Characteristics

Regarded as producing the best golden fall color, Ginkgo biloba ‘Autumn Gold’ (Maidenhair Tree) is a deciduous conifer with a broad and rounded symmetrical crown. Adding visual interest and beauty to the landscape, its spreading canopy of unique, fan-shaped leaves, turns a stunning deep yellow color in the fall.

This contributes to its exotic charm, as does its stark winter silhouette bristling with spiky buds. Graceful and attractive in all seasons, Ginkgo biloba is a popular shade tree which establishes easily and tolerates many urban conditions including heat, air pollution or salt. This male cultivar of Ginkgo is practically pest free, resistant to storm damage, and casts dense shade.

II. How to Grow and Care

Sunlight

A maidenhair tree ‘Autumn Gold’ requires full sun or very light shade. It can grow well in sunny places or tolerate semi-shade. Avoid planting in fully shaded places, as well as in full midday sun.

Temperature

Maidenhair tree ‘Autumn Gold’ grows best in temperate climate conditions and tolerates hot summers as well as cold winters. If the temperature drops too low, its leaves will turn yellow and fall in a short time. When fully grown, maidenhair tree ‘Autumn Gold’ is very tolerant. They grow well in well-drained, adequately moist soil. When planting a young maidenhair tree ‘Autumn Gold’, avoid areas that are poorly drained or areas that occasionally flood, even for short time periods, which could result in root rot.

Watering

Originating from regions with temperate climates, maidenhair tree ‘Autumn Gold’ is adapted to environments that mimic the seasonal rainfall patterns of its native habitat. This species thrives on consistent moisture and displays a moderate tolerance for drought once established. It prefers watering twice a week to maintain its lush foliage. As an outdoor deciduous plant, maidenhair tree ‘Autumn Gold’ experiences a significant transformation in water needs during its dormancy period in colder months, requiring less frequent hydration as growth slows.

Soil

Maidenhair tree ‘Autumn Gold’ does not require any specific soil type. It tolerates a soil pH of 5-8. Nevertheless, planting soil should be adequately drained. A neutral, light, rich soil is a good choice. The hardy maidenhair tree ‘Autumn Gold’ tree will also be tolerant to mildly calcareous soil. As ginkgo prefers silty and slightly clayey soil, add some sand to alleviate heavy clay-rich soil. Remember that ginkgo will grow long taproots and requires deep soil.

Fertilizing

Fertilize maidenhair tree ‘Autumn Gold’ with balanced nutrition fertilizers in spring to encourage vigorous growth, transitioning to high-nitrogen fertilizers in summer to boost foliage development. Apply every two months, ensuring a quantity appropriate for the plant’s size—over-fertilization can harm maidenhair tree ‘Autumn Gold’. In autumn, reduce frequency to prep maidenhair tree ‘Autumn Gold’ for dormancy. Seasonal adjustments are crucial; omit winter fertilization to avoid stimulating growth during the rest period. Utilize slow-release formulas for sustained benefits and avoid root burn with thorough soil watering pre-application.

Planting Instructions

The maidenhair tree ‘Autumn Gold’ is a perfect choice for urban locations because it tolerates pollution well. Before planting a ginkgo tree, consider canopy dimensions, because ginkgo trees can grow up to 30 m tall and up to 15 m wide. Therefore, avoid planting close to power lines or other tall structures. When choosing a ginkgo tree, a male cultivar might be a good idea, because the aroma of the fallen fruit in the autumn can be unpleasant for some people.

For the first three to five years, it might be best to keep your maidenhair tree ‘Autumn Gold’ potted inside the house. After about 6 years, they are robust enough to survive winter outside. When planting outside, the planting soil should be dug over and thoroughly loosened. Excavated soil should be mixed with compost (one third compost, two thirds soil). Lastly, return the excavated soil, tread it down, and water thoroughly. As a young maidenhair tree ‘Autumn Gold’ tree can grow crookedly, it may be supported by tying it (not too tightly!) to a wooden stake or rebar with a rubber or a nylon band.

Pruning

While they are young, regular trimming is useful for maidenhair tree ‘Autumn Gold’ to develop a strong structure. Removing dead or closely growing branches and branches protruding out of the canopy will increase the overall health of the tree, reduce tree infections, and improve the aesthetic appearance of the canopy.

Pruning is best performed in early spring so the tree has plenty of time for new growth to appear. Do not prune in late fall or early winter, as it could expose early growth to cold weather and frostbite. Heavy pruning should be done only in winter, when the tree is most dormant. Even though ginkgo is extremely resilient to tree diseases, remember to disinfect the pruners before you move to the next branch in order to minimize the risk of contamination.

Propagation

Maidenhair tree ‘Autumn Gold’ is a unique and resilient deciduous conifer appreciated for its fan-shaped leaves and striking yellow fall color. To propagate maidenhair tree ‘Autumn Gold’, softwood cuttings are commonly used. For successful cultivation, take cuttings from healthy branches in the late spring or early summer. These should include a few sets of leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone before planting in a well-draining soil mix. Maintain consistent moisture and provide indirect light until roots are established. Patience is key, as maidenhair tree ‘Autumn Gold’ can take longer to root compared to other species.

Transplanting

Best transferred during the gentle embrace of early summer’s warmth or beneath late fall’s crisp skies, maidenhair tree ‘Autumn Gold’ thrives post-relocation in sun-kissed, well-draining spots. Ensure ample space for growth to witness their timeless grace.

III. Uses and Benefits

Use Maidenhair tree ‘Autumn Gold’ for a variety of spaces. It’s an excellent choice for a shade tree, street tree or even as a vertical accenting lawn tree with its outstanding ornamental features.

IV. Harvesting and Storage

Maidenhair tree ‘Autumn Gold’ seeds (which fall in autumn) are edible after being well cooked. They have been a highly esteemed food for centuries in Asia. Maidenhair tree ‘Autumn Gold’ seeds may be an acquired taste, as they are acidy, resinous, and sweet. The outer pulp of the seeds has an unpleasant smell and may cause allergies, so take care when harvesting, and peel the pulp off with gloves before you roast or bake the seeds. Crack the seeds to expose the edible part. The seeds are slightly toxic; don’t eat more than five at a time.