Ginkgo
Ginkgo biloba
Also called Maidenhair tree and Gingko
Garden plant · TreesBuy a named MALE tree. The female fruits smell strongly of vomit for six weeks every autumn, and the seeds inside are the part RHS calls harmful.
Care at a glance
- Ease
- Easy
- Water
- Once a weekWater the ground — water at the base, in the morning, not over the leaves.
- Light
- Full sun
- Feed
- Every 45 days
- Humidity
- Average
- Hardiness
- Hardy — a very cold winter RHS H6, to -20°C
- Size
- 15 m tall · 6 m across
- Lifecycle
- Tree
- Origin
- China
Is it safe for pets and people?
PetsToxic to pets
PeopleHarmful if eaten
The seeds, on female trees only.
HandlingTake care handling it
RHS says to wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling it.
Checked against ASPCA and RHS on 2026-08-03.
A guide, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet or a person has eaten a plant and you are worried, call your vet or doctor now — don’t wait for signs to appear. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.