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Overview
Ginkgo biloba 'PNI 2720' (trade name: Golden Colonnade) is a medium-sized, narrowly columnar, deciduous tree in the family Ginkgoaceae, a male cultivar of ginkgo selected for its upright, space-efficient branching habit. Ginkgo biloba is the sole surviving species of an ancient gymnosperm lineage dating to the Permian period — the species epithet biloba means 'two-lobed,' referring to the leaf shape. 'PNI 2720' was introduced by Princeton Nurseries. Trees grow 40–50 feet (12–15 m) tall and 10–15 feet (3–4.5 m) wide with ascending, tightly held branches forming a narrowly oval crown. The leaves are the primary identification character: distinctly FAN-SHAPED, 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) wide, with parallel, dichotomously branching veins and a notched outer margin dividing each leaf into two lobes. Leaves are bright green in spring and summer, turning uniformly BRIGHT GOLDEN-YELLOW in fall — typically October–November in the Pacific Northwest — and dropping over 1–3 weeks. Being male, this cultivar produces no malodorous fruit. Toxicity: raw seeds and large quantities of leaves are toxic to humans and pets.
Native Range
Ginkgo biloba 'PNI 2720' is a cultivar of Ginkgo biloba, native to mountain forests of eastern China — the wild population is now restricted to small areas in Zhejiang and Guizhou provinces. The species has been cultivated in China and Japan for centuries and is widely naturalized around Buddhist temples.Suggested Uses
Ginkgo biloba 'PNI 2720' is planted as a street tree, specimen, or avenue tree in Pacific Northwest urban landscapes where a narrowly columnar deciduous tree with reliable fall color is needed in limited horizontal space. The 10–15 foot (3–4.5 m) width suits median strips, parking lot perimeters, and tight urban sites. The male cultivar produces no malodorous fruit. Educational value: Ginkgo as a living fossil from the Permian; unique fan-shaped leaf with dichotomous venation; male vs. female cultivar selection in dioecious trees.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height40' - 50'
Width/Spread10' - 15'
Reaches mature size in approximately 25 years
Bloom Information
Ginkgo biloba 'PNI 2720' is a male cultivar and produces only pollen cones — small, catkin-like, on short spurs in April–May as the leaves emerge. No female cones or fruit are produced. Fall foliage transitions to bright golden-yellow in October–November, typically dropping over 1–3 weeks.Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
bright green in spring and summer; brilliant golden-yellow in fallGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant Ginkgo biloba 'PNI 2720' in full sun in moist, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.0–7.5. Tolerates a wide range of soil types including compacted urban soils, air pollution, and reflected heat. Consistent moisture during the first two growing seasons; established trees tolerate moderate drought. Growth rate is moderate — approximately 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) per year. Fall foliage color is most reliable in sites with adequate sun exposure and distinct temperature fluctuation. Does not tolerate prolonged waterlogging.Pruning
No pruning is required to maintain the columnar form. Remove dead or crossing branches in late spring or early fall. Lower branches may be raised to expose the trunk as the tree matures. Do not prune in winter — ginkgo bleeds heavily from winter wounds.Pruning Schedule
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late springfall