Ginkgo

Once thought to be extinct, the ginkgo tree is now a common urban tree. Fossils recognizably related to the modern ginkgo are dated as far back as 270 million years ago. Once ginkgos grew worldwide; today experts believe there are no “wild’ populations left.

Until the 1960s, scientists thought ginkgos were extinct but small populations were found at temple sites in China. Known to have grown in China during the 11th century, ginkgo trees may have also been cultivated at temple sites long before. This cultivation probably saved ginkgos from just being a noteworthy fossil.

Today, because of their beauty and hardiness, ginkgos are poplular ornamental trees; many ginkgos are found lining streets and gracing parks with their pre-historic beauty.

Ginkgoes are members of the gymnosperm or “naked seed” group of plants. They have no flowers but they do produce pollen and seeds.

Ginkgos are great trees for urban environments because they are tough and can tolerate pollution. Whether you use ginkgos in the lawn or as a street tree, remember to buy a male ginkgo from a nursery you trust as the seed from a female tree has a very foul odor. These trees are slow growing but can reach 70 to 80 feet tall.