Ginkgo biloba ‘Magyar’ – Magyar Ginkgo

Botanical Name: Ginkgo biloba ‘Magyar’

Alternate Name: Magyar Maidenhair Tree

The Magyar Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba ‘Magyar’) is a male cultivar so will not produce the nuisance fruit that the females produce. It grows to a height of 40-60 feet at maturity and a width of 20-30 feet. This deciduous tree is  beautifully symmetrical with an upright, narrow, pyramidal form. It was discovered growing by the banks of the Magyar River in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

The Magyar Ginkgo develops small green catkin flowers in the spring that are not noticeable. The leaves are mid-green in color, and in the fall they put on a stunning and reliable display of bright golden yellow. This tree looks particularly attractive when backlit by morning or evening light. The Magyar Ginkgo cultivar is very tolerant of urban pollution. Along with its narrow form, this makes it an ideal tree for use as a street tree.

Ginkgo species, in general, do not have any serious disease or insect problems. The strong excurrent growth habit and upward growing scaffold branches form strong attachments and resist damage during winter storms. Magyar Ginkgo is also resistant to deer. Ginkgos are slow growing, but usually the growth rate will increase several years after planting. They are tolerant of many different soil types, including compacted, urban soils and alkaline soil.