Ginkgo biloba 'Saratoga' is a slower growing form form of Maidenhair tree with a distinct central leader and spreading, rounded outline. This is considered one of the best forms for dense, symmetrical branching especially as a young tree. The leaves differ from the other cultivars in that they are narrower, pendulous and are a pleasing yellow-green coloration. It can easily be trained to a large shrub form if desired.
After 10 years of growth, one can expect a mature specimen to stand 12 to 24 feet (4 - 8 m) tall and 5 to 10 feet (1.5 - 3 m) wide, depending on how it's maintained. This suggests a rate of growth exceeding one foot (30 cm) per year.
This cultivar originated as a seedling selected in 1975 by the Saratoga Research Foundation, California. It is a commonly seen plant in street plantings and urban horticulture.
