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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! |
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