Ginkgo Coloring Pages

What kind of tree is it?

Ginkgo is a very rare tree with leaves shaped like a fan. When autumn comes, its leaves change to a pretty, golden yellow color. It has been growing on Earth since a very long time ago, so it is also called a "living fossil."

The difference between male and female

There are male and female Ginkgo trees.

• Male trees do not grow any fruit.
• Female trees grow a fruit called ginkgo nuts in autumn, which have a unique smell.

Even though these ginkgo nuts have a strong smell, when you peel the shell and cook them, they are soft, chewy, and super tasty!

Secrets of the leaves

When autumn comes, Ginkgo leaves all change to a bright yellow at once, just like turning on a light. Then, one day, when a cold wind blows, all the leaves drop at the same time, making the ground look like a golden yellow carpet. It looks so beautiful!

Where does it grow?

Ginkgo trees are very strong and do not get sick easily, so they are planted in many places all over Japan. You can often see big ones especially in parks, Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples, and along roads.

How to Choose Colors: Let's Paint Beautiful Golden Colors!

The key to your Ginkgo coloring page is using pretty yellow to show autumn scenery.

• Leaf colors: Start with yellow for the leaves. Try mixing in a little orange or brown to make a soft blend. This makes every single leaf look lively!
• Trunk and branches: Use brown or gray to give the trunk and branches a strong feel. Color the thick trunk dark and the thin branches light to make the tree look 3D.
• Ginkgo nuts: Color the outer shell yellow-green and the inside green.

How to Make It Look 3D: Think About Light and Shadow!

Here are some tricks to make your Ginkgo leaves and trunk look pop-out real.

• Leaf shadows: Add a bit of dark yellow or brown in the dipped parts of the fan-shaped leaves. This makes the leaves look rounded.
• Where the light hits: Use a lighter color on flat spots where light shines. This makes the leaves look nice and shiny!

Tips for Having Fun with Your Coloring Page!

• Try adding a background!
  • Lots of leaves fall under the Ginkgo tree. If you draw plenty of yellow leaves on the ground, your picture will look super pretty!
• Express yourself freely!
  • There are no rules for leaf colors. Feel free to color your very own colorful Ginkgo!