The Ginkgo biloba tree can grow up to 100 feet with a circumference of 30 feet. The leaves are shaped like a fan and have two lobes. The orange flowers on the tree are dioecious meaning one sex per tree, male flowers and female flowers grow on separate trees(1).

This plant is thought to be a living fossil. It has been dated back as far as 270 million years and was abundant in North America, Europe, and Asia during the Cretaceous period. Unfortunately, the tree was wiped out in North America and most of Europe during the K-T extinction event (2). It was thought to be totally extinct but the Chinese had used its seeds as food in the Han dynasty, 206 BCE- 220 CE. It was "rediscovered" in 1691 by Engelbert Kaempfer (2). The tree had survived in China, in the monasteries and temple gardens (2). The Ginkgo biloba tree was later distributed to Japan, Korea, and Europe by seed (2).

The G. Biloba can survive in most soil types but needs a proper drainage system. It prefers dry loamy soils and being sheltered from strong winds. If the plant is well established, it can withstand drought and atmospheric pollution (.1) When selecting which sex to plant it is highly recommended to plant the male tree because the female tree has an odor of vomit and more litter (4). When growing, staking might be required until proper growth is established. This tree prefers full to partial sunlight, but overall it does not require a lot of maintenance (4).

The Ginkgo is valued for its medicinal uses. It can be used as an antibacterial, antifungal, and as an astringent. It also has been used for aid in digestion and sedation and has been used in cancer treatments (1). Ginkgo leaf is often taken by mouth to relieve memory disorders, like Alzheimer's disease. For the elderly, it is used to reduce blood flow in the head, this helps with memory loss, dizziness, and difficulties concentrating. The Ginkgo biloba has been used scene 2600 BCE to treat asthma and bronchitis (3).