Ginkgo and Narrow-leaved ash are often considered for the same spot in the garden (specimen, shade). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Ginkgo biloba 6 m × 5 m after 10 years
A distinctive, ancient tree with fan-shaped leaves that all turn brilliant golden yellow at once in autumn. It has almost no pests or diseases,…
Fraxinus angustifolia 6 m × 3.5 m after 10 years
A large tree with fine, narrow leaflets and glossy green foliage; its regional subspecies, the Hungarian or Danubian ash, is a tree of lowland…
Narrow-leaved ash: We do not recommend it for most Central European gardens.
Narrow-leaved ash grows faster than Ginkgo.
Ginkgo is hardier: down to -34 °C, against -23 °C for Narrow-leaved ash.
Ginkgo tolerates drought better than Narrow-leaved ash.
Ginkgo needs less care than Narrow-leaved ash.
Ginkgo is cheaper: about €30 at the size usually planted, against about €290 for Narrow-leaved ash.
|
Feature
|
Ginkgo
|
Narrow-leaved ash
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Large tree | Large tree |
| Size after 10 years | 6 m × 5 m | 6 m × 3.5 m |
| Ultimate size | 15–25 m × 9–15 m | 15–25 m × 8–12 m |
| Growth rate | Slow | Medium |
| Light | Full sun | Full sun |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous |
| Hardiness | down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) | down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Deciduous | Deciduous |
| Flowering | April–May, green | March–April, yellow, green |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | High | Medium |
| Maintenance | Low | Medium |
| Planting distance | 800 cm | 900 cm |
| For dogs | Toxic (uncertain) | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| For cats | Toxic (uncertain) | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| For children | Toxic (uncertain) | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| Typical price | approx. €30 | approx. €290 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 8, 2026
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