Autumn Gold Ginkgo Tree

Ginkgo biloba 'Autumn Gold'

Nature Hills Nursery

Guaranteed Golden Fall Color: Autumn Gold Ginkgo Biloba Turns Brilliant Yellow Every Season
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 3-8
Grows 40-50 ft Tall, 25-30 ft Wide
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Heat Tolerant
Stunning Glowing Yellow Fall Foliage

$99⁷³

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Plant Size

#2 Container 3-4 Feet

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Plant your Autumn Gold Ginkgo in full sun, which means at least 6 hours of direct light daily. While it can tolerate partial shade, the signature golden fall color will be much more intense with maximum sun exposure.
Soil: This tree is incredibly adaptable and handles sandy, loamy, or clay soils well, as long as they drain freely. For heavy clay or poor urban soils, amending the backfill with compost helps prevent compaction and encourages faster root establishment.

Watering Requirements

Water deeply and regularly during the first two seasons to help the tree establish its deep root system. Once established, the Autumn Gold Ginkgo is remarkably drought-tolerant and handles heat well, though it performs best with consistent moisture during extreme dry spells. Inconsistent watering during the establishment phase can cause early leaf drop or slow the growth rate significantly.

Pruning Tips

Pruning is rarely necessary for this low-maintenance variety, but if needed, trim in late winter or early spring while the tree is still dormant. Remove any broken, dead, or crossing branches to maintain its naturally symmetrical, pyramidal form. Pruning at this time minimizes sap loss and allows the tree to heal quickly once growth resumes in spring.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a slow-release, balanced tree and shrub fertilizer in early spring just as new green growth begins to emerge. Avoid fertilizing late in the summer, as this can push soft, new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first freeze.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Fall Color/Interest, Seedless, Thornless, Salt Tolerant, Heat Tolerant, Drought resistant, Clay Tolerant, Non-invasive
Hardiness Zone	3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	40-50 ft
Width	25-30 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Green
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Botanical Name	Ginkgo biloba 'Autumn Gold'
Species	biloba
Cultivar	Autumn Gold
Class	Pinopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

For a truly breathtaking specimen shade tree, the Autumn Gold Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba 'Autumn Gold') leads the field. It was found across the globe in the fossil record from millions of years ago. The Ginkgo was thought to be long extinct until a chance discovery of these precious trees in China. Now, the magnificent Ginkgo tree graces top botanical gardens, universities, and busy streets across the country!

Their iconic, fan-shaped leaves give it its other common name of 'Maidenhair Tree'. The leaves seem to dance in the wind! When fall arrives, the Autumn Gold puts on a magnificent show of luminous yellow gold. The leaves that hold on the tree for an extended period of time and they're so vibrant, the Ginkgo tree almost seems to glow from within! The color simply stops people in their tracks!

Autumn Gold Ginkgo is an exceptionally beautiful, fruitless, cloned male selection of Ginkgo biloba. This tree is an investment in the future of your yard and home. They'll paint your fall with brilliant, yellow-gold hues and Ginkgo trees live for centuries!

Forgive us for being fanciful, but we think they'll bring a strong sense of peace to those who study them. Something about the enduring nature of this miraculous ancient tree - surviving beautifully for hundreds of millions of years - speaks to the poet in all of us!

Autumn Gold Ginkgo features a very balanced branch structure. These stately trees are all male clones from the same parent. Each one will create a beautifully formal, uniform look in the landscape. Hardy throughout USDA growing zones 3 to 8, there's little that bothers these long-lived selections!

Planting and Application:

Create a beautifully defined row of multiple trees planted along a drive or used to define a large property. Imagine the tremendous statement look you'll create each autumn when the gold leaves make this specimen shine from within!

This tall and vibrant tree can light up your driveway with its bright yellow fall foliage. It also looks quite elegant as a focal point in your front or backyard, while shading large areas for cooling summer relief! Great in median strips, as street trees, or used to line a driveway or walkway as the roots are very tame. They are quite deeply rooted and strong, highly resistant to both snow and wind damage.

Once established, the Autumn Gold is drought resistant and tolerant of urban environments. It is almost completely disease and pest free and adapted to a wide range of climates. Autumn Gold might be one of the best choices for a specimen shade tree available.

Autumn Gold is also a popular bonsai specimen and can be found in many practitioners' collections.

The Ginkgo tree is often called a "living fossil" as it's similar to fossils that have been found millions of years ago. Wherever your Autumn Gold Ginkgo winds up in your landscape, it is sure to add a sense of grandeur and beauty to your landscape for generations to come!

One of the Most Long-Lived Trees!
Soft Green Fan-Shaped Foliage
Uniform Symmetrical Form
Glowing Yellow Fall Foliage
Cloned Male Selection - No Messy Fruit!
Magnificent Specimen, Shade & Street Tree
Ancient Tree With A Fascinating History

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Even though these easy-to-grow Ginkgo trees are known for their lengthy lifespans, they don't grow very quickly. In fact, they'll grow slowly for the first 2 to 3 seasons. Be patient. Once they do get established, they pick up to a moderate growth rate and fill out quite fast. These trees are widely admired for their resistance to disease, drought, and pollution. They truly are a low-maintenance plant!

Choose a well-drained location in full sun. Autumn Gold will also tolerate occasional wet feet as long as the drainage is good. It prefers slightly acidic soil, though it will adapt to alkaline soils. It can be sensitive to soils with high salt content. Apply a 3-4 inch thick layer of mulch all around the tree's drip line.

This is the perfect tree for a low-maintenance landscape as it needs very little pruning to achieve its wonderful form. Pruning is best done while the tree is dormant. When the leaves of the Autumn Gold Ginkgo begin to drop, they go all at once. The ground will be covered in a golden blanket. Enjoy that display for a few days, then rake them up all at once.

Full Sun
Well-Drained Conditions But Highly Adaptable
Moderate Moisture Needs
Prune When Dormant
Urban Environments, Pollution, Drought & Disease Resistant
Extremely Low-Maintenance

Enjoy its colorful display year after year. All you have to do is plant one, relax, and appreciate how beautiful it is. Order your Autumn Gold Ginkgo today from Nature Hills Nursery!

Explore More from Nature Hills

The Autumn Gold Ginkgo is an excellent addition to any landscape, thriving in hardiness zones 3-9 and making it a perfect choice for zone 4 plants, trees & shrubs, zone 5 plants, trees & shrubs, and zone 6 plants, trees & shrubs. This remarkable specimen joins our collection of drought tolerant trees that require minimal maintenance once established. For complete growing guidance, check out our comprehensive guide How To Care For A Ginkgo Tree to ensure your new addition thrives for generations to come.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mature size and height of the Autumn Gold Ginkgo tree?

The Autumn Gold Ginkgo typically reaches 40-50 feet tall and 30-40 feet wide at maturity. These slow-growing trees develop a pyramidal shape when young, becoming more rounded with age. Plan for adequate space as they can live for centuries and will fill out their canopy over time.

Does the Autumn Gold Ginkgo produce messy fruit or seeds?

No, the Autumn Gold Ginkgo produces no messy fruit or seeds since it's a fruitless male clone. Unlike female ginkgos that drop smelly fruit, this male selection stays clean year-round. Perfect for patios and walkways where you want stunning fall color without the cleanup hassle.

How much sun does the Autumn Gold Ginkgo need—full sun or partial shade?

Autumn Gold Ginkgo thrives in full sun to partial shade, though full sun produces the most vibrant fall color. These adaptable trees tolerate various light conditions across zones 3-8. For the brightest golden autumn display, plant in a location with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

How drought-tolerant is the Autumn Gold Ginkgo once established?

Ginkgo trees are exceptionally drought-tolerant once established, thanks to their deep taproot system. These ancient survivors have weathered millions of years of climate changes and naturally adapt to various conditions across zones 3-8. Water regularly the first 2-3 years, then your Autumn Gold will handle dry spells with minimal supplemental irrigation.

Does the Autumn Gold Ginkgo require much pruning, and when is the best time?

Autumn Gold Ginkgo requires minimal pruning due to its naturally balanced branch structure. These hardy trees (zones 3-8) develop uniform, formal shapes on their own. Prune only to remove damaged branches in late winter before new growth begins.

What are the shipping options for Autumn Gold Ginkgo trees, like bare root or container?

Autumn Gold Ginkgo trees are typically shipped as containerized plants or bare root depending on season and size. Spring is the ideal planting time for these hardy zone 3-8 trees. Check the product page for current shipping options and select container plants for easier establishment in your landscape.

Will Autumn Gold Ginkgo trees ship to my state, considering plant regulations?

Autumn Gold Ginkgo trees are hardy in USDA zones 3-8 and generally ship to most states. However, some states have specific plant quarantine regulations that may restrict shipments. Check your state's agricultural department website for current restrictions before ordering.

Are there any common pests, diseases, or problems with the Autumn Gold Ginkgo?

Ginkgo trees are remarkably pest and disease resistant, with virtually no common problems affecting them. Their ancient genetics and hardy nature in zones 3-8 make them one of the most trouble-free trees you can grow. Simply provide good drainage and adequate space for growth.