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The ginkgo tree is indeed from China, but it is widely planted in the
United States as a shade tree.

Considered a living fossil (the ginkgo has shaded dinosaurs in its
time), it has fan-shaped leaves about 2 inches across, often notched
at the top curve of the fan, and the leaves turn a very pretty yellow
in the fall. The branching pattern is very angular and irregular. The
female ginkgo has squashy, smelly fruit that look a little like
large, pale cherries. You may have a ginkgo tree in your
neighborhood, just like I do!

If you don't have a nearby ginkgo, the dried leaves are often
available in health food stores. I have never tried its medicinal
properties, but they sound impressive.

Bobbi in Baltimore
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