<i>Ginkgo </i>tree named ‘Waconda Gold’

Abstract

A new cultivar of Ginkgo tree named Waconda Gold that is characterized by its very uniform growth habit and shape, its upright ascending branches and a pyramidal plant habit, its healthy foliage that is dark green in color, its strong central leader, and its good growth rate.

Claims

1. A new and distinct cultivar of Ginkgo tree named Waconda Gold as herein illustrated and described.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The accompanying color photographs illustrate the overall appearance and distinct characteristics of the new Gingko. The photographs were taken of the original 14-year-old tree of Waconda Gold as growing in the landscape in Glen Elder, Kans.

(2) The photograph in FIG. 1 provides a view of the plant habit of Waconda Gold.

(3) The photograph in FIG. 2 provides a close-up view of the foliage of Waconda Gold.

(4) The photograph in FIG. 3 provides a view of the branching of Waconda Gold when dormant.

(5) The colors in the photograph are as close as possible with the digital photography techniques available, the color values cited in the detailed botanical description accurately describe the colors of the new Ginkgo.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

(6) The following is a detailed description of 3 year-old trees of the new cultivar as grown outdoors in 5-gallon containers in Amity, Oreg. The phenotype of the new cultivar may vary with variations in environmental, climatic, and cultural conditions, as it has not been tested under all possible environmental conditions. The color determination is in accordance with The 2015 Colour Chart of The Royal Horticultural Society, London, England, except where general color terms of ordinary dictionary significance are used. General description: Plant type.Deciduous tree. Plant habit.Upright, uniform, and pyramidal. Height and spread.Average of 1.4 m in height, 1.5 cm in diameter, up to 6 m in height and 12.2 m in width when mature in the landscape. Hardiness.At least in U.S.D.A. Zone 6. Diseases and pests.Have been observed to be disease free (typical for plants of Ginkgo biloba) however no specific resistance to any disease has been identified, no resistance or susceptibility to pests has been observed. Root description.Fibrous, freely branched, 199A and 199B in color. Propagation.Grafting. Root development.6 to 8 weeks for a graft to take after grafting onto Ginkgo biloba rootstock. Growth rate.Moderate but vigorous for typical plants of Ginkgo biloba. Stem description: Shape.Rounded. Stem color.Branches and young bark; Streaks of N199A and 196A, mature bark; ridges of N199A over 199D. Stem size.Average of 1.4 m in length and 1.5 cm in diameter. Stem surface.Branches and young bark; finely ridged, Mature bark; rugose, slightly exfoliating, matte and dry. Stem strength.Very strong. Branching habit.1 main branch, uniform branching with ascending branches. Foliage description: Leaf shape.Flabellate and slightly convex. Leaf division.Simple. Leaf base.Cordate. Leaf apex.Cleft; 1 to 3 notches, 5 mm to 1.2 cm in depth. Leaf fragrance.None. Leaf venation.Open dichotomous, upper and lower surface in the sun; 144A, upper and lower surface in the shade; color matches leaf surface color. Leaf margins.Entire, undulate. Leaf arrangement.Alternate, whorled. Leaf attachment.Petiolate. Leaf buds.Bluntly deltoid to broadly conical in shape, matte, an average 7 mm in length and 5 mm in diameter, color; 164A and 145A. Leaf surface.Both surfaces glabrous and slightly glossy. Leaf size.Average of 2.5 cm in length and 4 cm in width. Leaf color.New growth; a blend of 144A and N144B, mature leaves; a blend of 137A and 189A, fall color; primarily 11A. Petioles.Flattened in shape, average of 1 cm in length, 1 mm in width, color; 144A and N144B. Flower, fruit, and seed description: Has not been observed to date.