Princeton Sentry Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba ‘Princeton Sentry’)

The remarkable Princeton Sentry Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba ‘Princeton Sentry’) – also known as the Maidenhair Tree – is a truly distinctive large, deciduous tree that would look great planted along your street, as a shade tree in your backyard or as a showcase specimen in front of your home. The genus name is actually a misrendering of the Japanese ‘gin’ meaning silver and ‘kyo’ (meaning apricot) used in Japan in the 17th century.

We sell only the preferred male of the species because, unlike its female counterpart, it is not known for dropping smelly seed shells. All growing season, the unique two-lobed fan-shaped leaves in a rich green, have an almost leathery texture that will tempt you to reach out and touch them every time you walk by.

In the autumn, your Ginkgo’s leaves will turn a brilliant blazing yellow that shimmers in the morning and late afternoon sunlight. This dazzling show persists for several weeks, and when the leaves do drop, they drop rapidly, forming a golden carpet around the tree! It’s a marvelous display as the leaves blanket the ground beneath almost overnight. That also makes lawn cleanup easy!

This excellent male selection features an impressive form that is twice as tall as it is wide as it matures. Growing throughout USDA growing zones 3 to 8, this mighty tree has all the perks of its Ginkgo biloba roots, plus the longevity and beauty the species is known for!

Planting and Application:

The Ginkgo tree is often called a “living fossil” as it’s similar to fossils that have been found millions of years ago. It is the only surviving member of a group of ancient plants believed to have inhabited the earth up to 150 million years ago. This tree has been widely cultivated and used medicinally as well as for its edible features. In some parts of the world, this tree is even considered to be sacred.

The Gingko has long been appreciated for its well-behaved root system. This is a great tree for use around walkways and patios because the roots stay deep and are not prone to lift pavement. These are fantastic street trees, specimens, and shade trees. Plant them anywhere you want a dramatic fall display!

This tree can tolerate almost anything: It does well in poor or compacted soil, and it can also withstand drought, winter salt, and even air pollution. They are quite deeply rooted and strong, highly resistant to both snow and wind damage.

• Unique Foliage & Gorgeous More Columnar Form
• Rich Green Fan-Shaped Foliage
• Deciduous Tree With Golden Fall Color
• Great Street Tree & Specimen
• Fruitless Male Cultivar
• Ancient Tree With A Fascinating History

Tips for Care:

Ginkgo are easy to grow in average, medium moisture soil in full sun, and prefer moist, sandy, well-drained soils. Water newly planted trees regularly to not allow the root ball to dry out between waterings. The Princeton Sentry Ginkgo adapts well to most urban environments.

Provide a well-drained enriched site and water new trees regularly using the Finger Test method for best results. A 3-4 inch thick layer of mulch all around the tree’s drip line helps create a pretty garden bed. If pruning is needed, do so while the tree is dormant in the winter or very early spring, removing dead or damaged branches.

• Full Sun
• Moist, Sandy Well-Drained Soil
• Tolerates Alkaline & Compacted Soil
• Pest & Disease Resistant
• Very Cold Hardy & Strong

Princeton Sentry Ginkgo is a tree that is well worth having for a number of reasons. When you plant a Ginkgo, you not only get an appealing landscape tree, but also a conversation piece for friends and neighbors. Having a Ginkgo means not only possessing a tree, but also a “living fossil” with a rich and fascinating history.