GINKGO
Native: China
Family: ginkgoaceae
It is frequently termed a "living fossil," as it is the only surviving member of a group of ancient plants with fossils dating back to 270 million years ago.
The tree is also the only living connection between ferns and conifers.
Ginkgo biloba is rated as Endangered (EN)
The oldest recorded ginkgo tree is an incredible 3,500 years old.
The oldest documented Ginkgo biloba tree in the United States is located at Bartram's Garden in Philadelphia. It was planted in 1785 by the Bartram brothers after receiving it as a gift from botanist William Hamilton. Hamilton had acquired the tree (and two others) from London in 1785.
FREDERICK, MARYLAND:
The oldest Ginkgo Biloba in the US.
Located in Frederick, Maryland. It was planted in 1802 and is one of the largest and oldest ginkgo trees in the country,
Unique fan-shaped leaves
Also commonly known for striking yellow autumn foliage.
Leaves clustered at a single terminal point along the stem.
The "fruit" of the ginkgo tree is actually a naked seed, not a true fruit.
It is known to be very smelly.