Did you know that a ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is considered a living fossil? It’s the only surviving species of a group of trees that existed before dinosaurs roamed the earth. Genetically, it has remained unchanged over the past 180+ million years. If you ever get a chance to visit the Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park near the Columbia River Gorge and Wanapum Lake in Washington state, you’ll see 15-million-year-old Gingko beckii fossilized logs embedded in the basalt cliffs.
Thought to be extinct, a German scientist and physician, Engelbert Kaempfer, discovered the trees in Japan in 1691 while working for the Dutch East India Company. Ginkgos survived in the mountainous regions of China, where they were considered sacred trees by Buddhist monks. The monks then took trees to Japan to plant in palace and temple gardens. William Hamilton of Philadelphia brought the first three ginkgos to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1785. He planted two in his garden and gave one to his friend, William Bartram. Hamilton’s trees no longer exist, but the one he gave to Bartram can still be seen today in Bartram’s Garden in Philadelphia.
The 240-year-old ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) William Hamilton gave William Bartram in 1785 can be seen today in Bartram’s Garden in Philadelphia, PA.
Photo © courtesy of Bartram’s Garden, Philadelphia, PA
When admiring the ginkgo trees planted in my garden, I am amazed that the genetics of my trees have remained unchanged since T. Rex walked the earth during the Jurassic period. Ginkgos are in a class all by themselves, a living evolutionary link between ferns and conifers and have no close living relatives.
The fan-shaped leaves are unlike any other type of tree, adding an interesting texture to the landscape. Another common name is the maidenhair tree because the leaves resemble the foliage of a maidenhair fern.
Another common name for a ginkgo is maidenhair tree, as the fan-shaped leaves resemble the foliage of a maidenhair fern.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
The green leaves turn a beautiful show-stopping golden color in the fall. There’s nothing like seeing the contrast of bright gold leaves against the South Carolina blue sky. They lose their leaves almost all at once, making the garden chore of raking leaves much easier. I love seeing a petticoat of yellow leaves scattered underneath the tree.
Ginkgo leaves turn a bright, golden color in the fall.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2023 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Ginkgo trees lose their leaves almost all at once, creating a yellow petticoat of foliage around the tree’s base.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2023 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Ginkgos are tough trees, perfect for planting in urban areas with problematic environmental issues, such as air pollution, drought, or excessive heat. These ancient trees can be used as a specimen or accent in the home landscape. They are dioecious, meaning separate female and male trees. In the fall, the female has a foul-smelling fruit-like structure that reminds me of rancid butter. Most nurseries will sell male trees to avoid the putrid smell.
If you’re looking for an interesting, long-lived tree with an incredible history to plant in your landscape, consider a “living fossil” ginkgo. It symbolizes resilience, healing, and longevity.
For more information on ginkgos, see HGIC 1032 Ginkgo or Maidenhair Tree.
