The Ginkgo tree, Ginkgo biloba, is considered the oldest tree species known to survive on earth. The Ginkgo tree is considered to be a living fossil, with signs of existence dating back over 200 million years. Once extremely common to North America and Europe, the ice-age drove all the related Ginkgo species to complete extinction. However in the early 1800’s, it became known to the Europeans that the Ginkgo tree had survived and was thriving in China. Since that discovery, the Ginkgo tree was introduced as an ornamental tree throughout the Western world. Today Ginkgo trees are found in virtually every city in the United States.

The Ginkgo species has survived through millions of years of constant climate and environmental changes because of its genetic tenacity. The Ginkgo tree is extremely hardy and remarkably resistant to construction damage, disease and pests. It is also extremely tolerant of air pollution and planted in city environments where most trees will not survive. During the fall months, Ginkgo trees display a bright golden yellow leaf pattern which brighten grey fall skies.

In Europe, the Ginkgo leaf extract is actually used for a wide variety of clinical conditions including vertigo, poor blood circulation, heart disease, eye disease, chronic cerebral insufficiency, accidents involving brain trauma, and dementia. The standardized extract has also shown to help with short-term memory improvement.

Ginkgo trees can be planted in a variety of soils and they are very drought tolerant. They thrive in areas that offer full sun to partial shade. Please join us at our Arbor Day Celebration May 7th for your free Ginkgo seedling!