Ginkgo biloba (Maidenhair Tree)

Native to China, this large deciduous tree is the sole living species of an ancient lineage with an extensive fossil record. Distinctive fan-shaped leaves have veins that repeatedly fork, and many leaves are divided into two lobes. The foliage turns bright yellow in autumn. Male and female reproductive structures occur on separate trees. Female trees produce seeds with fleshy outer coverings that develop a strong odor when mature. Long cultivated beyond its native range, ginkgo is planted in parks and along city streets. Despite its widespread cultivation, it is Endangered in the wild. Raw seeds can cause poisoning, and their fleshy coverings can irritate the skin. Photographed in Washington, DC.