Q: I want to replace a tree that we had to cut down with a ginkgo. I have heard that either the male or female variety has berries and smells bad

A: Female ginkgo trees produce primitive seeds covered by a fleshy skin. When the seeds drop and decompose, the odor has been variously described as vomit, outhouse and rancid butter. Male trees have no seeds and are commonly available at nurseries. They are either grafted or grown from cuttings taken from a male tree. Several cultivars are available, including ‘Golden Globe’, ‘Princeton Sentry’ and ‘Fastigiata’.

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Gingko