Autumn Gold Gingko - Gingko Biloba 'Autumn Gold'
Regular price
$4,500.00
Size
Transform Your Landscape with a Living Fossil That Delivers Spectacular Golden Fall Color
The Autumn Gold Ginkgo tree gives your landscape brilliant golden yellow fall color without the messy, stinky fruit that can make female trees a problem near lawns, streets, and walkways.
This selected male variety of Ginkgo biloba brings the character of a living fossil into the modern yard: bright green foliage in spring and summer, fan shaped leaves unlike a maple or silver maple, and a dramatic golden carpet when the leaves drop after a hard frost. The Autumn Gold Ginkgo is a beautiful tree for homeowners who want shade, structure, and autumn impact without constant cleanup.
It is also a proven performer in tough urban environments. Once planted in full sun and given deep watering through the first few growing seasons, this deciduous tree becomes highly adaptable, drought-tolerant, resistant to urban pollution, and virtually pest-free.
Why You’ll Love It
-
Spectacular fall color – The unique, leathery, fan-shaped leaves of the Autumn Gold Ginkgo transition from rich medium green in summer to intense gold in autumn.
-
Clean, fruitless performance – This cultivar is a male variety of Ginkgo biloba, meaning it does not produce the messy, stinky fruit associated with female trees, making it a cleaner option for urban planting.
-
Low-maintenance toughness – The Autumn Gold Ginkgo tree is exceptionally tough and virtually pest-free, with no serious insect or disease concerns.
-
Ancient character – Ginkgo biloba is the only surviving member of its ancient plant lineage, giving this maidenhair tree a distinctive place in the plant world.
-
Urban resilience – The Autumn Gold Ginkgo tree is highly adaptable to urban environments, tolerating pollution, poor soil, and compacted conditions, making it an ideal choice for city landscaping.
The Autumn Gold Ginkgo is fully hardy across USDA Zones 3 through 9, allowing it to withstand bitter winter cold and blistering summer heat. It also resists air pollution, compacted soils, wind, and de-icing road salts, making it reliable for urban planting, street tree use, and public spaces where care may be limited.
What Makes It Different
Most shade trees either grow fast but create future problems, or they offer fall color while demanding more maintenance than expected. A red maple may color well, a silver maple may grow quickly, and other fast growing trees, such as Rocky Mountain Glow maple with vibrant fall foliage, may cast shade sooner, but many lack the long-term durability, clean habit, and distinctive foliage of a gold ginkgo tree.
Autumn Gold Ginkgo provides:
-
Distinctive fan shaped leaves – The fan-shaped leaves of Ginkgo biloba Autumn Gold create texture you will not get from common shade trees, turning from bright green to golden yellow as autumn arrives.
-
Cleaner seasonal drop – The leaves of the Autumn Gold Ginkgo turn a striking golden yellow in the fall, dropping all at once to create a unique blanket of color on the ground.
-
No nuisance fruit – The Autumn Gold Ginkgo is a male cultivar, which means it does not produce messy fruit, making it particularly suitable for planting along streets and in public spaces.
-
Sidewalk-friendly roots – The deep root system of the Autumn Gold Ginkgo helps prevent the tree from heaving sidewalk pavement or cracking nearby foundations.
-
Reliable male selection – The Autumn Gold Ginkgo is propagated by grafting, ensuring that it is always male and will not produce berries, which can be a nuisance.
Because Ginkgo biloba has separate male and female trees, buying the right cultivar matters. Seed-grown ginkgo trees may produce fruit later in life, but this fruitless male strain is selected for cleaner performance, strong form, and the best traits homeowners and municipal planners want in a long-lived lawn tree.
How To Ensure Success In Your Landscape
-
Plant it in the right place Choose full sun for the strongest canopy, best autumn gold color, and most balanced shape. The Autumn Gold Ginkgo tree prefers to be planted in full sun and is adaptable to a range of soil types, although it thrives in well-draining soil with regular watering. Plant at least 20 feet from structures so the tree has room for mature spread, shade, and root system development.
-
Water deeply while it establishes The Autumn Gold Ginkgo requires deep, regular watering during its first two growing seasons to build a strong root system and is drought-tolerant once established, similar to other resilient, fruitless, drought-tolerant landscape trees like Swan Hill Olives. Water deeply in early morning when possible, especially during hot weather, and monitor trees exposed to late afternoon sun during the first several weeks after planting.
-
Let it mature into a centerpiece The Autumn Gold Ginkgo tree grows very slowly for the first few years, typically only about 1 foot per year during this period. Once established, the Autumn Gold Ginkgo can grow rapidly, reaching up to 12 feet per year until it reaches its full height of 40 to 50 feet. As the tree matures, its younger pyramidal shape broadens into a strong, bushier profile with memorable bark, graceful branching, and a brilliant fall canopy.
With the right start, this ginkgo tree becomes a set-it-and-forget-it landscape investment: clean, resilient, and beautiful through decades of spring growth, summer shade, autumn color, and winter structure.
Tree Specifications
-
Botanical name: Ginkgo biloba ‘Autumn Gold’
-
Common names: Autumn Gold Ginkgo, gold ginkgo, maidenhair tree, ginkgo biloba tree
-
Tree type: Deciduous tree well-suited to inclusion in mature tree plantings that deliver instant shade and curb appeal
-
Mature size: The Autumn Gold Ginkgo tree can grow up to 50 feet tall and has a broad, bushy profile as it matures, with a pyramidal shape in its younger years.
-
Typical height: 40 to 50 feet at maturity
-
Mature spread: Allow generous room for canopy development; this is a large shade and lawn tree, not a tight foundation planting.
-
Growth rate: Slow growing at first, often about 1 foot per year during initial growth, then faster after establishment.
-
Sun exposure: Full sun preferred; strong light supports the best golden yellow autumn foliage.
-
Soil requirements: Adaptable to many soil types, including compacted and alkaline ground, but best in well drained soil.
-
Water needs: Water deeply during the first two growing seasons; established trees develop good drought tolerance.
-
Hardiness: USDA Zones 3 through 9.
-
Flowers: Male Ginkgo trees, including the Autumn Gold variety, produce small yellow-green flowers in clusters, which release pollen in the spring.
-
Fruit: No fruit and no berries because Autumn Gold is a grafted male tree.
-
Pest and disease resistance: This tree is resistant to pests and diseases, which contributes to its low-maintenance nature, making it suitable for urban settings where care may be limited.
-
Urban tolerance: Urban foresters and municipal planners often choose the Autumn Gold Ginkgo for narrow planting strips due to its urban resilience, much like other versatile, low-maintenance evergreens such as the Fern Pine tree.
Who It’s For
Ideal for:
-
California homeowners who want a low-maintenance shade tree with spectacular fall color, clean leaf drop, and no smelly fruit.
-
Urban property owners who need a street tree that can handle urban conditions, road salt, compacted soil, wind, and urban pollution may also consider tough natives such as California Sycamore for large-scale Western landscapes.
-
Landscape designers who want a distinctive specimen tree with ancient character, fan shaped foliage, and a strong golden autumn display might pair it with California Pepper Trees for feathery evergreen texture and pink berries.
-
Municipal and commercial projects that require a proven performer for narrow planting strips, public spaces, and areas where ongoing maintenance may be limited can also integrate California Pepper Trees and other durable commercial landscape trees.
If you want a beautiful tree that adds shade, structure, and a golden carpet in fall without the maintenance issues of female trees or weaker fast growing trees, the Autumn Gold Ginkgo tree fits the landscape, and it pairs well with flowering trees selected to enhance curb appeal and seasonal interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does Autumn Gold Ginkgo grow?
The Autumn Gold Ginkgo tree grows very slowly for the first few years, typically only about 1 foot per year during this period. After the first few growing seasons, initial growth often improves as the root system expands, and once established, the tree can grow rapidly, reaching up to 12 feet per year until it reaches its full height of 40 to 50 feet.
Will it drop messy fruit?
No. The Autumn Gold Ginkgo is a male variety, meaning it does not produce the messy, stinky fruit that female Ginkgo trees do. This is one of the main reasons Autumn Gold is preferred for streets, yards, public spaces, and urban planting.
How far from my house should I plant it?
Plant Autumn Gold Ginkgo at least 20 feet from your house, driveway, or major structures. The deep root system of the Autumn Gold Ginkgo helps prevent the tree from heaving sidewalk pavement or cracking nearby foundations, but the canopy and mature spread still need proper room.
Does it need special soil?
No special soil is required. The autumn gold ginkgo tree adapts to a wide range of soil types and urban ground conditions, though it performs best in well drained soil with regular watering while young.
What about pests and diseases?
The Autumn Gold Ginkgo tree is exceptionally tough and virtually pest-free, with no serious insect or disease concerns. Its resistance to pests and diseases is a major reason it works so well in urban environments where care may be limited, especially when used alongside other carefully selected nursery trees and shrubs from a full-service online plant store.
Ready to Plant?
Stop settling for ordinary shade trees that lack character, create fruit cleanup, or struggle in tough urban conditions.
Choose Autumn Gold Ginkgo and bring home a gold ginkgo tree with centuries of proven beauty, brilliant golden yellow fall color, clean male performance, and exceptional resilience.
Yardwork can help you choose the right size, plan proper placement, and arrange plant delivery with expert planting advice, whether you are adding Autumn Gold Ginkgo or other standout shade trees such as October Glory maple and similar landscape favorites.
Transform Your Landscape with a Living Fossil That Delivers Spectacular Golden Fall Color
The Autumn Gold Ginkgo tree gives your landscape brilliant golden yellow fall color without the messy, stinky fruit that can make female trees a problem near lawns, streets, and walkways.
This selected male variety of Ginkgo biloba brings the character of a living fossil into the modern yard: bright green foliage in spring and summer, fan shaped leaves unlike a maple or silver maple, and a dramatic golden carpet when the leaves drop after a hard frost. The Autumn Gold Ginkgo is a beautiful tree for homeowners who want shade, structure, and autumn impact without constant cleanup.
It is also a proven performer in tough urban environments. Once planted in full sun and given deep watering through the first few growing seasons, this deciduous tree becomes highly adaptable, drought-tolerant, resistant to urban pollution, and virtually pest-free.
Why You’ll Love It
-
Spectacular fall color – The unique, leathery, fan-shaped leaves of the Autumn Gold Ginkgo transition from rich medium green in summer to intense gold in autumn.
-
Clean, fruitless performance – This cultivar is a male variety of Ginkgo biloba, meaning it does not produce the messy, stinky fruit associated with female trees, making it a cleaner option for urban planting.
-
Low-maintenance toughness – The Autumn Gold Ginkgo tree is exceptionally tough and virtually pest-free, with no serious insect or disease concerns.
-
Ancient character – Ginkgo biloba is the only surviving member of its ancient plant lineage, giving this maidenhair tree a distinctive place in the plant world.
-
Urban resilience – The Autumn Gold Ginkgo tree is highly adaptable to urban environments, tolerating pollution, poor soil, and compacted conditions, making it an ideal choice for city landscaping.
The Autumn Gold Ginkgo is fully hardy across USDA Zones 3 through 9, allowing it to withstand bitter winter cold and blistering summer heat. It also resists air pollution, compacted soils, wind, and de-icing road salts, making it reliable for urban planting, street tree use, and public spaces where care may be limited.
What Makes It Different
Most shade trees either grow fast but create future problems, or they offer fall color while demanding more maintenance than expected. A red maple may color well, a silver maple may grow quickly, and other fast growing trees, such as Rocky Mountain Glow maple with vibrant fall foliage, may cast shade sooner, but many lack the long-term durability, clean habit, and distinctive foliage of a gold ginkgo tree.
Autumn Gold Ginkgo provides:
-
Distinctive fan shaped leaves – The fan-shaped leaves of Ginkgo biloba Autumn Gold create texture you will not get from common shade trees, turning from bright green to golden yellow as autumn arrives.
-
Cleaner seasonal drop – The leaves of the Autumn Gold Ginkgo turn a striking golden yellow in the fall, dropping all at once to create a unique blanket of color on the ground.
-
No nuisance fruit – The Autumn Gold Ginkgo is a male cultivar, which means it does not produce messy fruit, making it particularly suitable for planting along streets and in public spaces.
-
Sidewalk-friendly roots – The deep root system of the Autumn Gold Ginkgo helps prevent the tree from heaving sidewalk pavement or cracking nearby foundations.
-
Reliable male selection – The Autumn Gold Ginkgo is propagated by grafting, ensuring that it is always male and will not produce berries, which can be a nuisance.
Because Ginkgo biloba has separate male and female trees, buying the right cultivar matters. Seed-grown ginkgo trees may produce fruit later in life, but this fruitless male strain is selected for cleaner performance, strong form, and the best traits homeowners and municipal planners want in a long-lived lawn tree.
How To Ensure Success In Your Landscape
-
Plant it in the right place Choose full sun for the strongest canopy, best autumn gold color, and most balanced shape. The Autumn Gold Ginkgo tree prefers to be planted in full sun and is adaptable to a range of soil types, although it thrives in well-draining soil with regular watering. Plant at least 20 feet from structures so the tree has room for mature spread, shade, and root system development.
-
Water deeply while it establishes The Autumn Gold Ginkgo requires deep, regular watering during its first two growing seasons to build a strong root system and is drought-tolerant once established, similar to other resilient, fruitless, drought-tolerant landscape trees like Swan Hill Olives. Water deeply in early morning when possible, especially during hot weather, and monitor trees exposed to late afternoon sun during the first several weeks after planting.
-
Let it mature into a centerpiece The Autumn Gold Ginkgo tree grows very slowly for the first few years, typically only about 1 foot per year during this period. Once established, the Autumn Gold Ginkgo can grow rapidly, reaching up to 12 feet per year until it reaches its full height of 40 to 50 feet. As the tree matures, its younger pyramidal shape broadens into a strong, bushier profile with memorable bark, graceful branching, and a brilliant fall canopy.
With the right start, this ginkgo tree becomes a set-it-and-forget-it landscape investment: clean, resilient, and beautiful through decades of spring growth, summer shade, autumn color, and winter structure.
Tree Specifications
-
Botanical name: Ginkgo biloba ‘Autumn Gold’
-
Common names: Autumn Gold Ginkgo, gold ginkgo, maidenhair tree, ginkgo biloba tree
-
Tree type: Deciduous tree well-suited to inclusion in mature tree plantings that deliver instant shade and curb appeal
-
Mature size: The Autumn Gold Ginkgo tree can grow up to 50 feet tall and has a broad, bushy profile as it matures, with a pyramidal shape in its younger years.
-
Typical height: 40 to 50 feet at maturity
-
Mature spread: Allow generous room for canopy development; this is a large shade and lawn tree, not a tight foundation planting.
-
Growth rate: Slow growing at first, often about 1 foot per year during initial growth, then faster after establishment.
-
Sun exposure: Full sun preferred; strong light supports the best golden yellow autumn foliage.
-
Soil requirements: Adaptable to many soil types, including compacted and alkaline ground, but best in well drained soil.
-
Water needs: Water deeply during the first two growing seasons; established trees develop good drought tolerance.
-
Hardiness: USDA Zones 3 through 9.
-
Flowers: Male Ginkgo trees, including the Autumn Gold variety, produce small yellow-green flowers in clusters, which release pollen in the spring.
-
Fruit: No fruit and no berries because Autumn Gold is a grafted male tree.
-
Pest and disease resistance: This tree is resistant to pests and diseases, which contributes to its low-maintenance nature, making it suitable for urban settings where care may be limited.
-
Urban tolerance: Urban foresters and municipal planners often choose the Autumn Gold Ginkgo for narrow planting strips due to its urban resilience, much like other versatile, low-maintenance evergreens such as the Fern Pine tree.
Who It’s For
Ideal for:
-
California homeowners who want a low-maintenance shade tree with spectacular fall color, clean leaf drop, and no smelly fruit.
-
Urban property owners who need a street tree that can handle urban conditions, road salt, compacted soil, wind, and urban pollution may also consider tough natives such as California Sycamore for large-scale Western landscapes.
-
Landscape designers who want a distinctive specimen tree with ancient character, fan shaped foliage, and a strong golden autumn display might pair it with California Pepper Trees for feathery evergreen texture and pink berries.
-
Municipal and commercial projects that require a proven performer for narrow planting strips, public spaces, and areas where ongoing maintenance may be limited can also integrate California Pepper Trees and other durable commercial landscape trees.
If you want a beautiful tree that adds shade, structure, and a golden carpet in fall without the maintenance issues of female trees or weaker fast growing trees, the Autumn Gold Ginkgo tree fits the landscape, and it pairs well with flowering trees selected to enhance curb appeal and seasonal interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does Autumn Gold Ginkgo grow?
The Autumn Gold Ginkgo tree grows very slowly for the first few years, typically only about 1 foot per year during this period. After the first few growing seasons, initial growth often improves as the root system expands, and once established, the tree can grow rapidly, reaching up to 12 feet per year until it reaches its full height of 40 to 50 feet.
Will it drop messy fruit?
No. The Autumn Gold Ginkgo is a male variety, meaning it does not produce the messy, stinky fruit that female Ginkgo trees do. This is one of the main reasons Autumn Gold is preferred for streets, yards, public spaces, and urban planting.
How far from my house should I plant it?
Plant Autumn Gold Ginkgo at least 20 feet from your house, driveway, or major structures. The deep root system of the Autumn Gold Ginkgo helps prevent the tree from heaving sidewalk pavement or cracking nearby foundations, but the canopy and mature spread still need proper room.
Does it need special soil?
No special soil is required. The autumn gold ginkgo tree adapts to a wide range of soil types and urban ground conditions, though it performs best in well drained soil with regular watering while young.
What about pests and diseases?
The Autumn Gold Ginkgo tree is exceptionally tough and virtually pest-free, with no serious insect or disease concerns. Its resistance to pests and diseases is a major reason it works so well in urban environments where care may be limited, especially when used alongside other carefully selected nursery trees and shrubs from a full-service online plant store.
Ready to Plant?
Stop settling for ordinary shade trees that lack character, create fruit cleanup, or struggle in tough urban conditions.
Choose Autumn Gold Ginkgo and bring home a gold ginkgo tree with centuries of proven beauty, brilliant golden yellow fall color, clean male performance, and exceptional resilience.
Yardwork can help you choose the right size, plan proper placement, and arrange plant delivery with expert planting advice, whether you are adding Autumn Gold Ginkgo or other standout shade trees such as October Glory maple and similar landscape favorites.
Plants vary greatly by type and no guarantees are made on sizing.
However here is a rough idea of sizes based on containers that are direct from our growing grounds.
15 Gallon Shrub 3-4 Ft. Tall
15 Gallon Tree 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Shrub 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Tree 6-7 Ft. Tall
36" Box Tree 8-10 Ft. Tall
48" Box Tree 10-12 Ft. Tall
Please note: Citrus and California Native plants such as Manzanita are smaller than traditional sizing.
Please contact us to confirm sizing of items before purchasing if this is a concern.
Plants vary greatly by type and no guarantees are made on sizing.
However here is a rough idea of sizes based on containers that are direct from our growing grounds.
15 Gallon Shrub 3-4 Ft. Tall
15 Gallon Tree 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Shrub 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Tree 6-7 Ft. Tall
36" Box Tree 8-10 Ft. Tall
48" Box Tree 10-12 Ft. Tall
Please note: Citrus and California Native plants such as Manzanita are smaller than traditional sizing.
Please contact us to confirm sizing of items before purchasing if this is a concern.
Delivery does not include unloading of trees and plants larger than a 24" box.
Trees and plants in smaller containers will be dropped curbside.
Delivery beyond a curbside drop will be charged extra.
Trees and plants that are sold in container sizes larger than a 24" box size will require equipment and an operator onsite to help unload from the truck.
Please reach out to our team PRIOR to placing your order to coordinate.
Our team can provide unloading assistance with equipment for an extra fee.
Delivery does not include unloading of trees and plants larger than a 24" box.
Trees and plants in smaller containers will be dropped curbside.
Delivery beyond a curbside drop will be charged extra.
Trees and plants that are sold in container sizes larger than a 24" box size will require equipment and an operator onsite to help unload from the truck.
Please reach out to our team PRIOR to placing your order to coordinate.
Our team can provide unloading assistance with equipment for an extra fee.
You may also like...
Autumn Gold Gingko - Gingko Biloba 'Autumn Gold'
Regular price
$4,500.00
Size
Transform Your Landscape with a Living Fossil That Delivers Spectacular Golden Fall Color
The Autumn Gold Ginkgo tree gives your landscape brilliant golden yellow fall color without the messy, stinky fruit that can make female trees a problem near lawns, streets, and walkways.
This selected male variety of Ginkgo biloba brings the character of a living fossil into the modern yard: bright green foliage in spring and summer, fan shaped leaves unlike a maple or silver maple, and a dramatic golden carpet when the leaves drop after a hard frost. The Autumn Gold Ginkgo is a beautiful tree for homeowners who want shade, structure, and autumn impact without constant cleanup.
It is also a proven performer in tough urban environments. Once planted in full sun and given deep watering through the first few growing seasons, this deciduous tree becomes highly adaptable, drought-tolerant, resistant to urban pollution, and virtually pest-free.
Why You’ll Love It
-
Spectacular fall color – The unique, leathery, fan-shaped leaves of the Autumn Gold Ginkgo transition from rich medium green in summer to intense gold in autumn.
-
Clean, fruitless performance – This cultivar is a male variety of Ginkgo biloba, meaning it does not produce the messy, stinky fruit associated with female trees, making it a cleaner option for urban planting.
-
Low-maintenance toughness – The Autumn Gold Ginkgo tree is exceptionally tough and virtually pest-free, with no serious insect or disease concerns.
-
Ancient character – Ginkgo biloba is the only surviving member of its ancient plant lineage, giving this maidenhair tree a distinctive place in the plant world.
-
Urban resilience – The Autumn Gold Ginkgo tree is highly adaptable to urban environments, tolerating pollution, poor soil, and compacted conditions, making it an ideal choice for city landscaping.
The Autumn Gold Ginkgo is fully hardy across USDA Zones 3 through 9, allowing it to withstand bitter winter cold and blistering summer heat. It also resists air pollution, compacted soils, wind, and de-icing road salts, making it reliable for urban planting, street tree use, and public spaces where care may be limited.
What Makes It Different
Most shade trees either grow fast but create future problems, or they offer fall color while demanding more maintenance than expected. A red maple may color well, a silver maple may grow quickly, and other fast growing trees, such as Rocky Mountain Glow maple with vibrant fall foliage, may cast shade sooner, but many lack the long-term durability, clean habit, and distinctive foliage of a gold ginkgo tree.
Autumn Gold Ginkgo provides:
-
Distinctive fan shaped leaves – The fan-shaped leaves of Ginkgo biloba Autumn Gold create texture you will not get from common shade trees, turning from bright green to golden yellow as autumn arrives.
-
Cleaner seasonal drop – The leaves of the Autumn Gold Ginkgo turn a striking golden yellow in the fall, dropping all at once to create a unique blanket of color on the ground.
-
No nuisance fruit – The Autumn Gold Ginkgo is a male cultivar, which means it does not produce messy fruit, making it particularly suitable for planting along streets and in public spaces.
-
Sidewalk-friendly roots – The deep root system of the Autumn Gold Ginkgo helps prevent the tree from heaving sidewalk pavement or cracking nearby foundations.
-
Reliable male selection – The Autumn Gold Ginkgo is propagated by grafting, ensuring that it is always male and will not produce berries, which can be a nuisance.
Because Ginkgo biloba has separate male and female trees, buying the right cultivar matters. Seed-grown ginkgo trees may produce fruit later in life, but this fruitless male strain is selected for cleaner performance, strong form, and the best traits homeowners and municipal planners want in a long-lived lawn tree.
How To Ensure Success In Your Landscape
-
Plant it in the right place Choose full sun for the strongest canopy, best autumn gold color, and most balanced shape. The Autumn Gold Ginkgo tree prefers to be planted in full sun and is adaptable to a range of soil types, although it thrives in well-draining soil with regular watering. Plant at least 20 feet from structures so the tree has room for mature spread, shade, and root system development.
-
Water deeply while it establishes The Autumn Gold Ginkgo requires deep, regular watering during its first two growing seasons to build a strong root system and is drought-tolerant once established, similar to other resilient, fruitless, drought-tolerant landscape trees like Swan Hill Olives. Water deeply in early morning when possible, especially during hot weather, and monitor trees exposed to late afternoon sun during the first several weeks after planting.
-
Let it mature into a centerpiece The Autumn Gold Ginkgo tree grows very slowly for the first few years, typically only about 1 foot per year during this period. Once established, the Autumn Gold Ginkgo can grow rapidly, reaching up to 12 feet per year until it reaches its full height of 40 to 50 feet. As the tree matures, its younger pyramidal shape broadens into a strong, bushier profile with memorable bark, graceful branching, and a brilliant fall canopy.
With the right start, this ginkgo tree becomes a set-it-and-forget-it landscape investment: clean, resilient, and beautiful through decades of spring growth, summer shade, autumn color, and winter structure.
Tree Specifications
-
Botanical name: Ginkgo biloba ‘Autumn Gold’
-
Common names: Autumn Gold Ginkgo, gold ginkgo, maidenhair tree, ginkgo biloba tree
-
Tree type: Deciduous tree well-suited to inclusion in mature tree plantings that deliver instant shade and curb appeal
-
Mature size: The Autumn Gold Ginkgo tree can grow up to 50 feet tall and has a broad, bushy profile as it matures, with a pyramidal shape in its younger years.
-
Typical height: 40 to 50 feet at maturity
-
Mature spread: Allow generous room for canopy development; this is a large shade and lawn tree, not a tight foundation planting.
-
Growth rate: Slow growing at first, often about 1 foot per year during initial growth, then faster after establishment.
-
Sun exposure: Full sun preferred; strong light supports the best golden yellow autumn foliage.
-
Soil requirements: Adaptable to many soil types, including compacted and alkaline ground, but best in well drained soil.
-
Water needs: Water deeply during the first two growing seasons; established trees develop good drought tolerance.
-
Hardiness: USDA Zones 3 through 9.
-
Flowers: Male Ginkgo trees, including the Autumn Gold variety, produce small yellow-green flowers in clusters, which release pollen in the spring.
-
Fruit: No fruit and no berries because Autumn Gold is a grafted male tree.
-
Pest and disease resistance: This tree is resistant to pests and diseases, which contributes to its low-maintenance nature, making it suitable for urban settings where care may be limited.
-
Urban tolerance: Urban foresters and municipal planners often choose the Autumn Gold Ginkgo for narrow planting strips due to its urban resilience, much like other versatile, low-maintenance evergreens such as the Fern Pine tree.
Who It’s For
Ideal for:
-
California homeowners who want a low-maintenance shade tree with spectacular fall color, clean leaf drop, and no smelly fruit.
-
Urban property owners who need a street tree that can handle urban conditions, road salt, compacted soil, wind, and urban pollution may also consider tough natives such as California Sycamore for large-scale Western landscapes.
-
Landscape designers who want a distinctive specimen tree with ancient character, fan shaped foliage, and a strong golden autumn display might pair it with California Pepper Trees for feathery evergreen texture and pink berries.
-
Municipal and commercial projects that require a proven performer for narrow planting strips, public spaces, and areas where ongoing maintenance may be limited can also integrate California Pepper Trees and other durable commercial landscape trees.
If you want a beautiful tree that adds shade, structure, and a golden carpet in fall without the maintenance issues of female trees or weaker fast growing trees, the Autumn Gold Ginkgo tree fits the landscape, and it pairs well with flowering trees selected to enhance curb appeal and seasonal interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does Autumn Gold Ginkgo grow?
The Autumn Gold Ginkgo tree grows very slowly for the first few years, typically only about 1 foot per year during this period. After the first few growing seasons, initial growth often improves as the root system expands, and once established, the tree can grow rapidly, reaching up to 12 feet per year until it reaches its full height of 40 to 50 feet.
Will it drop messy fruit?
No. The Autumn Gold Ginkgo is a male variety, meaning it does not produce the messy, stinky fruit that female Ginkgo trees do. This is one of the main reasons Autumn Gold is preferred for streets, yards, public spaces, and urban planting.
How far from my house should I plant it?
Plant Autumn Gold Ginkgo at least 20 feet from your house, driveway, or major structures. The deep root system of the Autumn Gold Ginkgo helps prevent the tree from heaving sidewalk pavement or cracking nearby foundations, but the canopy and mature spread still need proper room.
Does it need special soil?
No special soil is required. The autumn gold ginkgo tree adapts to a wide range of soil types and urban ground conditions, though it performs best in well drained soil with regular watering while young.
What about pests and diseases?
The Autumn Gold Ginkgo tree is exceptionally tough and virtually pest-free, with no serious insect or disease concerns. Its resistance to pests and diseases is a major reason it works so well in urban environments where care may be limited, especially when used alongside other carefully selected nursery trees and shrubs from a full-service online plant store.
Ready to Plant?
Stop settling for ordinary shade trees that lack character, create fruit cleanup, or struggle in tough urban conditions.
Choose Autumn Gold Ginkgo and bring home a gold ginkgo tree with centuries of proven beauty, brilliant golden yellow fall color, clean male performance, and exceptional resilience.
Yardwork can help you choose the right size, plan proper placement, and arrange plant delivery with expert planting advice, whether you are adding Autumn Gold Ginkgo or other standout shade trees such as October Glory maple and similar landscape favorites.
Transform Your Landscape with a Living Fossil That Delivers Spectacular Golden Fall Color
The Autumn Gold Ginkgo tree gives your landscape brilliant golden yellow fall color without the messy, stinky fruit that can make female trees a problem near lawns, streets, and walkways.
This selected male variety of Ginkgo biloba brings the character of a living fossil into the modern yard: bright green foliage in spring and summer, fan shaped leaves unlike a maple or silver maple, and a dramatic golden carpet when the leaves drop after a hard frost. The Autumn Gold Ginkgo is a beautiful tree for homeowners who want shade, structure, and autumn impact without constant cleanup.
It is also a proven performer in tough urban environments. Once planted in full sun and given deep watering through the first few growing seasons, this deciduous tree becomes highly adaptable, drought-tolerant, resistant to urban pollution, and virtually pest-free.
Why You’ll Love It
-
Spectacular fall color – The unique, leathery, fan-shaped leaves of the Autumn Gold Ginkgo transition from rich medium green in summer to intense gold in autumn.
-
Clean, fruitless performance – This cultivar is a male variety of Ginkgo biloba, meaning it does not produce the messy, stinky fruit associated with female trees, making it a cleaner option for urban planting.
-
Low-maintenance toughness – The Autumn Gold Ginkgo tree is exceptionally tough and virtually pest-free, with no serious insect or disease concerns.
-
Ancient character – Ginkgo biloba is the only surviving member of its ancient plant lineage, giving this maidenhair tree a distinctive place in the plant world.
-
Urban resilience – The Autumn Gold Ginkgo tree is highly adaptable to urban environments, tolerating pollution, poor soil, and compacted conditions, making it an ideal choice for city landscaping.
The Autumn Gold Ginkgo is fully hardy across USDA Zones 3 through 9, allowing it to withstand bitter winter cold and blistering summer heat. It also resists air pollution, compacted soils, wind, and de-icing road salts, making it reliable for urban planting, street tree use, and public spaces where care may be limited.
What Makes It Different
Most shade trees either grow fast but create future problems, or they offer fall color while demanding more maintenance than expected. A red maple may color well, a silver maple may grow quickly, and other fast growing trees, such as Rocky Mountain Glow maple with vibrant fall foliage, may cast shade sooner, but many lack the long-term durability, clean habit, and distinctive foliage of a gold ginkgo tree.
Autumn Gold Ginkgo provides:
-
Distinctive fan shaped leaves – The fan-shaped leaves of Ginkgo biloba Autumn Gold create texture you will not get from common shade trees, turning from bright green to golden yellow as autumn arrives.
-
Cleaner seasonal drop – The leaves of the Autumn Gold Ginkgo turn a striking golden yellow in the fall, dropping all at once to create a unique blanket of color on the ground.
-
No nuisance fruit – The Autumn Gold Ginkgo is a male cultivar, which means it does not produce messy fruit, making it particularly suitable for planting along streets and in public spaces.
-
Sidewalk-friendly roots – The deep root system of the Autumn Gold Ginkgo helps prevent the tree from heaving sidewalk pavement or cracking nearby foundations.
-
Reliable male selection – The Autumn Gold Ginkgo is propagated by grafting, ensuring that it is always male and will not produce berries, which can be a nuisance.
Because Ginkgo biloba has separate male and female trees, buying the right cultivar matters. Seed-grown ginkgo trees may produce fruit later in life, but this fruitless male strain is selected for cleaner performance, strong form, and the best traits homeowners and municipal planners want in a long-lived lawn tree.
How To Ensure Success In Your Landscape
-
Plant it in the right place Choose full sun for the strongest canopy, best autumn gold color, and most balanced shape. The Autumn Gold Ginkgo tree prefers to be planted in full sun and is adaptable to a range of soil types, although it thrives in well-draining soil with regular watering. Plant at least 20 feet from structures so the tree has room for mature spread, shade, and root system development.
-
Water deeply while it establishes The Autumn Gold Ginkgo requires deep, regular watering during its first two growing seasons to build a strong root system and is drought-tolerant once established, similar to other resilient, fruitless, drought-tolerant landscape trees like Swan Hill Olives. Water deeply in early morning when possible, especially during hot weather, and monitor trees exposed to late afternoon sun during the first several weeks after planting.
-
Let it mature into a centerpiece The Autumn Gold Ginkgo tree grows very slowly for the first few years, typically only about 1 foot per year during this period. Once established, the Autumn Gold Ginkgo can grow rapidly, reaching up to 12 feet per year until it reaches its full height of 40 to 50 feet. As the tree matures, its younger pyramidal shape broadens into a strong, bushier profile with memorable bark, graceful branching, and a brilliant fall canopy.
With the right start, this ginkgo tree becomes a set-it-and-forget-it landscape investment: clean, resilient, and beautiful through decades of spring growth, summer shade, autumn color, and winter structure.
Tree Specifications
-
Botanical name: Ginkgo biloba ‘Autumn Gold’
-
Common names: Autumn Gold Ginkgo, gold ginkgo, maidenhair tree, ginkgo biloba tree
-
Tree type: Deciduous tree well-suited to inclusion in mature tree plantings that deliver instant shade and curb appeal
-
Mature size: The Autumn Gold Ginkgo tree can grow up to 50 feet tall and has a broad, bushy profile as it matures, with a pyramidal shape in its younger years.
-
Typical height: 40 to 50 feet at maturity
-
Mature spread: Allow generous room for canopy development; this is a large shade and lawn tree, not a tight foundation planting.
-
Growth rate: Slow growing at first, often about 1 foot per year during initial growth, then faster after establishment.
-
Sun exposure: Full sun preferred; strong light supports the best golden yellow autumn foliage.
-
Soil requirements: Adaptable to many soil types, including compacted and alkaline ground, but best in well drained soil.
-
Water needs: Water deeply during the first two growing seasons; established trees develop good drought tolerance.
-
Hardiness: USDA Zones 3 through 9.
-
Flowers: Male Ginkgo trees, including the Autumn Gold variety, produce small yellow-green flowers in clusters, which release pollen in the spring.
-
Fruit: No fruit and no berries because Autumn Gold is a grafted male tree.
-
Pest and disease resistance: This tree is resistant to pests and diseases, which contributes to its low-maintenance nature, making it suitable for urban settings where care may be limited.
-
Urban tolerance: Urban foresters and municipal planners often choose the Autumn Gold Ginkgo for narrow planting strips due to its urban resilience, much like other versatile, low-maintenance evergreens such as the Fern Pine tree.
Who It’s For
Ideal for:
-
California homeowners who want a low-maintenance shade tree with spectacular fall color, clean leaf drop, and no smelly fruit.
-
Urban property owners who need a street tree that can handle urban conditions, road salt, compacted soil, wind, and urban pollution may also consider tough natives such as California Sycamore for large-scale Western landscapes.
-
Landscape designers who want a distinctive specimen tree with ancient character, fan shaped foliage, and a strong golden autumn display might pair it with California Pepper Trees for feathery evergreen texture and pink berries.
-
Municipal and commercial projects that require a proven performer for narrow planting strips, public spaces, and areas where ongoing maintenance may be limited can also integrate California Pepper Trees and other durable commercial landscape trees.
If you want a beautiful tree that adds shade, structure, and a golden carpet in fall without the maintenance issues of female trees or weaker fast growing trees, the Autumn Gold Ginkgo tree fits the landscape, and it pairs well with flowering trees selected to enhance curb appeal and seasonal interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does Autumn Gold Ginkgo grow?
The Autumn Gold Ginkgo tree grows very slowly for the first few years, typically only about 1 foot per year during this period. After the first few growing seasons, initial growth often improves as the root system expands, and once established, the tree can grow rapidly, reaching up to 12 feet per year until it reaches its full height of 40 to 50 feet.
Will it drop messy fruit?
No. The Autumn Gold Ginkgo is a male variety, meaning it does not produce the messy, stinky fruit that female Ginkgo trees do. This is one of the main reasons Autumn Gold is preferred for streets, yards, public spaces, and urban planting.
How far from my house should I plant it?
Plant Autumn Gold Ginkgo at least 20 feet from your house, driveway, or major structures. The deep root system of the Autumn Gold Ginkgo helps prevent the tree from heaving sidewalk pavement or cracking nearby foundations, but the canopy and mature spread still need proper room.
Does it need special soil?
No special soil is required. The autumn gold ginkgo tree adapts to a wide range of soil types and urban ground conditions, though it performs best in well drained soil with regular watering while young.
What about pests and diseases?
The Autumn Gold Ginkgo tree is exceptionally tough and virtually pest-free, with no serious insect or disease concerns. Its resistance to pests and diseases is a major reason it works so well in urban environments where care may be limited, especially when used alongside other carefully selected nursery trees and shrubs from a full-service online plant store.
Ready to Plant?
Stop settling for ordinary shade trees that lack character, create fruit cleanup, or struggle in tough urban conditions.
Choose Autumn Gold Ginkgo and bring home a gold ginkgo tree with centuries of proven beauty, brilliant golden yellow fall color, clean male performance, and exceptional resilience.
Yardwork can help you choose the right size, plan proper placement, and arrange plant delivery with expert planting advice, whether you are adding Autumn Gold Ginkgo or other standout shade trees such as October Glory maple and similar landscape favorites.
Plants vary greatly by type and no guarantees are made on sizing.
However here is a rough idea of sizes based on containers that are direct from our growing grounds.
15 Gallon Shrub 3-4 Ft. Tall
15 Gallon Tree 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Shrub 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Tree 6-7 Ft. Tall
36" Box Tree 8-10 Ft. Tall
48" Box Tree 10-12 Ft. Tall
Please note: Citrus and California Native plants such as Manzanita are smaller than traditional sizing.
Please contact us to confirm sizing of items before purchasing if this is a concern.
Plants vary greatly by type and no guarantees are made on sizing.
However here is a rough idea of sizes based on containers that are direct from our growing grounds.
15 Gallon Shrub 3-4 Ft. Tall
15 Gallon Tree 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Shrub 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Tree 6-7 Ft. Tall
36" Box Tree 8-10 Ft. Tall
48" Box Tree 10-12 Ft. Tall
Please note: Citrus and California Native plants such as Manzanita are smaller than traditional sizing.
Please contact us to confirm sizing of items before purchasing if this is a concern.
Delivery does not include unloading of trees and plants larger than a 24" box.
Trees and plants in smaller containers will be dropped curbside.
Delivery beyond a curbside drop will be charged extra.
Trees and plants that are sold in container sizes larger than a 24" box size will require equipment and an operator onsite to help unload from the truck.
Please reach out to our team PRIOR to placing your order to coordinate.
Our team can provide unloading assistance with equipment for an extra fee.
Delivery does not include unloading of trees and plants larger than a 24" box.
Trees and plants in smaller containers will be dropped curbside.
Delivery beyond a curbside drop will be charged extra.
Trees and plants that are sold in container sizes larger than a 24" box size will require equipment and an operator onsite to help unload from the truck.
Please reach out to our team PRIOR to placing your order to coordinate.
Our team can provide unloading assistance with equipment for an extra fee.
Recommended For You
Pairs Well With
You May Also Like
Thousands of Healthy Plants Delivered
Yardwork was so great to work with. First they had the Swan Hill olive trees that we had been searching for, we had contacted several other nurseries without any luck previously. Then they answered all of our questions in a timely matter prior to ordering and finally delivered within a few days of placing it. Their staff is incredibly knowledgeable; they delivered and planted our trees with expertise to ensure that they would do well in our yard. We would definitely work with them again for future projects.
A Modern Experience
At Yardwork, we carefully curate thousands of plants, in all container sizes, to provide you with the best selection of the highest quality trees and plants at the best price, with the convenience of an online platform.
Uncompromised Quality
We choose only the finest specimens and hand select our plants just before delivery to ensure you receive the freshest and most robust specimens available for your landscape.
Industry Leading Warranties
Our 30, 90, and 365 extended warranties provide some of the best coverage to ensure our trees and plants thrive in your landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
We're committed to changing everything about trees and plants - how they’re grown, how you shop for them, and how much they cost. We handle orders ourselves. No middlemen to get between us (or our prices) and you.
We're committed to changing everything about trees and plants - how they’re grown, how you shop for them, and how much they cost. We handle orders ourselves. No middlemen to get between us (or our prices) and you.
Delivery does not include unloading of trees and plants LARGER than a 24" box.
Trees and plants in smaller containers will be dropped curbside (usually on the driveway or near the front doorstep).
Delivery beyond a curbside drop will be charged extra.
Trees and plants that are sold in container sizes LARGER than a 24" box size will require equipment and/or enough manpower onsite to help unload from the truck.
Please reach out to our team PRIOR to placing your order to help coordinate.
Our team can provide unloading assistance with equipment for an extra fee as well.
Delivery does not include unloading of trees and plants LARGER than a 24" box.
Trees and plants in smaller containers will be dropped curbside (usually on the driveway or near the front doorstep).
Delivery beyond a curbside drop will be charged extra.
Trees and plants that are sold in container sizes LARGER than a 24" box size will require equipment and/or enough manpower onsite to help unload from the truck.
Please reach out to our team PRIOR to placing your order to help coordinate.
Our team can provide unloading assistance with equipment for an extra fee as well.
We ship locally within California within 7-10 days of your order being placed.
We ship nationally using carrier partners, based on order size. Our common order minimums for out of state shipping is $5,000.
Text or call 323-576-4159 for specific shipping details for your location.
We ship locally within California within 7-10 days of your order being placed.
We ship nationally using carrier partners, based on order size. Our common order minimums for out of state shipping is $5,000.
Text or call 323-576-4159 for specific shipping details for your location.
We are currently online only and don't have physical locations where you can view plants in person.
That's why we have photos direct from the growing grounds of the plants we will ship and we display pricing right in our store.
We do make sure to pick the very best trees and plants prior to shipping and make sure that they have gone through our multi-point inspection for health and structure.
We will always reach out prior to delivery if we find a quality issue or need to provide a substitute.
We are currently online only and don't have physical locations where you can view plants in person.
That's why we have photos direct from the growing grounds of the plants we will ship and we display pricing right in our store.
We do make sure to pick the very best trees and plants prior to shipping and make sure that they have gone through our multi-point inspection for health and structure.
We will always reach out prior to delivery if we find a quality issue or need to provide a substitute.
Plants vary greatly by type. Here is a rough idea of sizes based on containers that are direct from our growing grounds.
15 Gallon Shrub 3-4 Ft. Tall
15 Gallon Tree 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Shrub 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Tree 6-7 Ft. Tall
36" Box Shrub/Tree 7-9 Ft. Tall
48" Box Shrub/Tree 8-10 Ft. Tall
**Please note that we do not make guarantees of sizes. If you have questions or concerns, please call or text to request accurate sizing for the particular plant you're considering, prior to ordering.
Plants vary greatly by type. Here is a rough idea of sizes based on containers that are direct from our growing grounds.
15 Gallon Shrub 3-4 Ft. Tall
15 Gallon Tree 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Shrub 5-6 Ft. Tall
24" Box Tree 6-7 Ft. Tall
36" Box Shrub/Tree 7-9 Ft. Tall
48" Box Shrub/Tree 8-10 Ft. Tall
**Please note that we do not make guarantees of sizes. If you have questions or concerns, please call or text to request accurate sizing for the particular plant you're considering, prior to ordering.
We offer a limited 30 day warranty for plants that are delivered and planted by someone else and a 90 day warranty for plants that we plant.
The limited warranty covers plants that die as a result of disease or fungus which was derived from our growing grounds or from root balls that were root bound.
The warranty does not cover damage due to watering, fertilizer, soils, or any other conditions beyond our control. Additionally, the warranty does not cover plants that are shipped out of the state of California or shipped into California from other states. Custom plant orders are also not covered under warranty. Plants must be planted within 24 hours after delivery to qualify.
We can assist you in recommending the right soils and fertilizers to help your plant thrive after you plant it.
Text or call 323-576-4159 for further warranty information.
We offer a limited 30 day warranty for plants that are delivered and planted by someone else and a 90 day warranty for plants that we plant.
The limited warranty covers plants that die as a result of disease or fungus which was derived from our growing grounds or from root balls that were root bound.
The warranty does not cover damage due to watering, fertilizer, soils, or any other conditions beyond our control. Additionally, the warranty does not cover plants that are shipped out of the state of California or shipped into California from other states. Custom plant orders are also not covered under warranty. Plants must be planted within 24 hours after delivery to qualify.
We can assist you in recommending the right soils and fertilizers to help your plant thrive after you plant it.
Text or call 323-576-4159 for further warranty information.
Our local delivery team covers most cities in California.
There are some exceptions, so please get in touch to confirm prior to ordering.
Additionally, we ship using semi trucks and trailers throughout the entire United States and even abroad for large orders over $5,000. Each shipment is custom, so please reach out to our team to coordinate.
Our local delivery team covers most cities in California.
There are some exceptions, so please get in touch to confirm prior to ordering.
Additionally, we ship using semi trucks and trailers throughout the entire United States and even abroad for large orders over $5,000. Each shipment is custom, so please reach out to our team to coordinate.