October 21, 2019

The Fruits of the Ginkgo Tree

I have thousands and thousands of trees at my Bedford, New York farm - in groves, allees, hedges and as beautiful stand-alone specimens in the landscape. Many were already well-established when I purchased the property, but I have also planted scores of trees around my home and in the woodlands. This time every year, one tree stands out - the mighty female ginkgo behind my Summer House, which started dropping all its smelly fruits just days ago.

Ginkgo biloba, commonly known as ginkgo or gingko, and also known as the maidenhair tree, is the only living species in the division Ginkgophyta. It is found in fossils dating back about 300-million years. Native to China, the ginkgo tree is widely cultivated. I have several ginkgo trees planted around my home, but the majestic ginkgo in my sunken garden is original to the property and is about 250-years old. Although not as large as others I've seen, my tree is quite massive. 

Enjoy these photos.