Gingko Trees at Ulysses S. Grant NHS

Visitors often notice the distinctive fan-shaped leaves on the park's numerous gingko trees.

NPS

Quick Facts

Location:

Northwest corner of park's walking trace

Significance:

One of the oldest trees at Ulysses S. Grant NHS

Amenities

1 listed

Information

Gingko trees are some of the oldest known trees on earth, dating back to around 270 million years ago. Known for its medicinal benefits and its unique fan-shaped leaves, Gingko trees are hardy specimens that can tolerate lots of sunlight, heat, pollution, and changes to the soil. They typically grow to as high as 50 feet.

Numerous Ginkko trees stand on the park grounds. Most of these trees stand on the southeast corner of the park. Since they are female trees, they grow large berries that fall on the ground in the fall. Do not squeeze or eat these berries! They have a putrid smell that is very difficult to remove. One large male Gingko tree stands just behind the stone building and is estimated to have been planted in the late nineteenth or early twentieth century.

The scientific name for Gingko trees is Ginkgo biloba.