How to Grow Weeping Ginkgo
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Weeping Ginkgo
Ginkgo biloba 'Pendula'
treeWeeping ginkgo is a graceful cultivar of the ancient ginkgo tree featuring long, drooping branches that create a fountain-like silhouette. This deciduous ornamental tree is prized for its unique weeping form, fan-shaped foliage, and spectacular golden-yellow fall color. It is extremely hardy, long-lived, and resistant to pests, diseases, and air pollution.
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Example Weeping Ginkgo timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Weeping Ginkgo
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Weeping Ginkgo
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 4-8; thrives across most of the continental United States
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Establishment (Year 1-2)
1-2 yearsYoung tree focuses on root development; minimal weeping form visible; upright growth habit initially
Water regularly and deeply weekly during growing season; stake if necessary for support; mulch around base; prune only damaged branches
Young Growth (Year 3-5)
2-3 yearsWeeping branches gradually elongate and become more pendulous; tree develops its characteristic fountain shape; foliage remains sparse on lower branches
Continue consistent watering during dry spells; remove any crossing or damaged branches; allow natural form to develop with minimal pruning
Mature Form (Year 6-20)
15+ yearsFull weeping silhouette established; dense canopy of fan-shaped foliage; drooping branches reach ground level; spring leaf emergence is bright yellow-green
Water only during drought; minimal pruning needed; remove dead or diseased wood; groom lower branches if contact with soil is undesirable
Fall Color & Dormancy (Autumn)
4-6 weeksAll foliage turns brilliant golden-yellow before abscising; tree becomes bare with distinctive weeping branch structure visible; extremely ornamental
Enjoy the fall display; rake fallen leaves for compost; do not prune during this period; tree is preparing for dormancy
Dormancy (Winter)
3-4 monthsCompletely leafless; skeletal weeping form is striking against snow or winter sky; tree is physiologically inactive
No watering needed; dormant tree is extremely cold-hardy; prune if necessary to remove broken branches; inspect for damage from ice or snow
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Rarely requires treatment; usually tolerates infestations; remove severely affected leaves if desired; maintain tree vigor
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Inspect branches regularly; remove infested twigs; spray with horticultural oil in dormant season if severe
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Hand-pick if infestation is light; use pheromone traps or insecticidal soap as needed; rarely causes significant damage
Uses
Ginkgo Seeds (Ginkgo nuts) as Food
CulinaryIn Asian cuisines, particularly Chinese and Japanese, the edible seeds (ginkgo nuts) from female trees are used in soups, stir-fries, and desserts. Seeds have a mild, slightly sweet flavor and are prized for their purported health benefits. [source]
Memory & Cognitive Support
MedicinalGinkgo biloba leaf extract is one of the most widely used herbal supplements in the world, traditionally employed to enhance memory, circulation, and cognitive function. The plant contains flavonoids and terpenoids with potential neuroprotective properties. [source]
Air Purification & Pollution Resistance
HouseholdGinkgo trees are exceptionally tolerant of urban air pollution and actively remove toxins from the air while improving air quality. They are frequently planted in cities and along streets for their resilience and environmental benefits. [source]
Ornamental Fall Display
CraftThe weeping ginkgo's spectacular golden-yellow fall foliage and unique fountain-like form make it a prized specimen tree for gardens, parks, and landscapes. Its four-season interest and architectural beauty provide year-round visual appeal. [source]
Wildlife Habitat & Food Source
WildlifeGinkgo trees provide shelter for birds and pollinators while flowering allows nectar and pollen collection. The fruit (if present on female trees) is consumed by wildlife and aids seed dispersal. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Not applicable for ornamental purposes. If seeds desired, female ginkgos produce fruit (which smells unpleasant); weeping ginkgo cultivars are typically male (grafted) and produce no fruit.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Ginkgo biloba is a 'living fossil'—the only surviving member of a genus that thrived 250 million years ago and has remained largely unchanged for 80 million years.
- 🌱 Weeping ginkgos are typically propagated via grafting male cultivars onto rootstock, ensuring no foul-smelling fruit develops (female ginkgo fruit smells like rotten butter).
- 🌱 Ginkgo trees can live 1,000+ years in nature; ancient specimens still grow in temples and gardens in Asia, with the oldest known ginkgo estimated to be over 2,500 years old.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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