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Maidenhair tree

Ginkgo biloba | Family: Ginkgoaceae

submission: Chrissy McIntire

Identification:

Leaves—

small, light yellow-green, fan-shaped

Twigs—

thin, light gray color

Flowers—

clustered green catkins

Fruit—

small round green seeds

Bark—

not too rough, light gray color

Hover over one of the descriptions to see an example.

picture of leaves picture of bark picture of twigs picture of fruit picture of flowers

 

Natural History:

Lifespan—

hundreds of years, even up to 400 years!

General description—

It's the only member of its family to survive the dinosaur extinction and even today they continue to thrive. Historically, in East Asian cultures, they were used for traditional medicine. This tree can also grow in stressful conditions, and they need moist soil and full sun.

Natural distribution and habitat—

Originally from China, and now grown today in the US.

Conservation status—

Currently threatened by deforestation.

Uses—

Used as both a shade tree and an ornamental tree. Also used in the lumber industry.
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