The ginkgo tree is not native and is only rarely naturalized in North America. Ginkgo biloba, using the scientific name, is reluctant to grow on its own but loves to be planted in the landscape. The tree is much admired for its fall color but is stubbornly slow-growing before it reaches its adult leaf color brilliance. Owners of the tree must have the patience of Job but will earn braggin' rights during a mature tree's autumn display.
Ginkgo drops its leaves during fall after one heck of a spectacular display. The tree carries the alternate name "golden fossil tree" for its stunning autumn color and because fossils of the tree leaf date back 270 million years. The fall color is bright yellow and nearly all leaves on a single tree turn at the same moment. There are no known wild populations of the tree known to exist.
