Ginkgo | Fourth and Gill Arboretum

Other Names:: Gingko, Maidenhair tree
Native to:: China
Sidewalk Visibility:: Good
Public?: No
Diameter:
Conservation Status: Endangered
Description:: Native to China, the Ginkgo nonetheless has been commonly cultivated in N. America and Europe, but has not become naturalized. It is probably the oldest tree species still in existence. As such, Ginkgos are often called “living fossils” because they have barely changed since first appearing in the fossil record over 200 million years ago. The oldest known Ginkgo tree is in China and is estimated to be about 3,500 years old. Interestingly, it is also the only species in its genus, family, order, and class. Thus, it’s not closely related to any other plant lineage alive today. Ginkgos are presently classified as an endangered species and would be in serious decline if not for intentional human cultivation. There are two known Ginkgos in the neighborhood: the one featured here is a male while its companion, a female, is located nearby but hidden down an alley.
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