Trees

Ginkgo biloba 'Jade Butterfly'

Jade Butterfly ginkgo

Jade Butterfly ginkgo. Photo: MDBolin / Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0

Jade Butterfly develops a dense, relatively small canopy of green, two-lobed leaves whose outline recalls a butterfly. Slow growth gives it a restrained presence compared with full-sized ginkgos. The distinctive fan-shaped foliage turns golden yellow in autumn, making both leaf shape and seasonal color important features.

At a glance

Sun: Full sun
Size: Height: 12–15 ft · Width: 10 ft
Water: Low once established
Hardiness: USDA 4–9

Sizes & prices

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Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.

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Landscape use & tree form

Use: Ornamental specimen
Major issues: Usually few serious pest or disease problems; protect young bark from physical damage.
Form: Dense dwarf
Growth rate: Slow
Fruit / litter: Male clone; no fleshy seed crop expected.

Resistance & tolerances

Deer: Parent-species guidance: Some browsing resistance; not deer-proof. Protect young plants.
Drought: Parent-species guidance: Tolerates some drought after establishment; water during prolonged dry spells.
Wet soil: Parent-species guidance: Avoid waterlogged or poorly drained soil.
Heat: Parent-species guidance: Heat tolerant with suitable soil moisture.

Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.

Seasonal interest

Foliage: Jade-green fan-shaped leaves; golden-yellow fall color
Seed: Male selection

Growing & care

Site: Adaptable to soil texture and pH; avoid waterlogged ground.
Pruning: Prune sparingly to establish a sound framework; retain the dwarf or columnar cultivar's natural habit.
Soil: Moist, well-drained; brief dry periods tolerated; occasional wetness tolerated

Sources & photo credits

Utah State University Extension

University of Minnesota

NC State Extension

University of Minnesota Extension

Clemson Cooperative Extension

Photo: MDBolin / Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0; resized for web. · CC BY-SA 2.0

Image notes: Jade Butterfly ginkgo. Photo: MDBolin / Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0; resized for web.

Reviewed September 22, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.