Ginkgo Biloba

This wonderful, ancient tree from China dates back at least 200 million years. Its distinctive, fan-shaped, bright green leaves turn bright gold when a warm autumn follows a warm summer. Mature male trees have thick, yellow catkins in late spring. This tree usually starts life shaped like a flagpole but gradually becomes wide spreading. It can cope with many city conditions, including pollution, and makes an elegant tree for a larger garden. Maidenhair trees were introduced to Japan about 1,000 years ago and often grown near temples – one reason why they are a common feature in Japanese-style gardens. The first maidenhair tree was brought to Britain and planted in Kew Gardens in 1760. It still stands today.