Ginkgo biloba or, Maidenhair tree. It was thought by western scientists to be extinct. In 1772 it was re-introduced to England from China. Only its earliest leaf fossils dating back to 270 million years ago had been found here in North America.

It grows slowly to a mature height of 40-70 ft. with massive branches with a 25-40 ft. spread. Their life span can exceed 400 years. They withstands city pollution and are rarely bothered by pests or disease.

Ginkgo leaves are unique among seed plants, being fan-shaped with veins radiating out into the leaves blade, splitting into the familiar "river delta" form, but never forming a network as in other veined leaves. Two veins enter the leaf blade at the base and fork repeatedly in two; this is known as dichotomous venation. These leaves are about 2 1/2 inches wide.