Recognized by their unique, fan-shaped leaves, the Ginkgo biloba is a common tree in Philadelphia. You've probably seen them lining Spruce Street in Center City, but did you know the first Ginkgo trees were introduced to the United States by The Woodlands’ own William Hamilton?
In 1785, Hamilton sent three trees to The Woodlands, planting two in his own garden and gifting the third to his friend down river, William Bartram. The original trees planted at The Woodlands are no longer alive, but the tradition continues with over 20 ginkgos in varying sizes spread throughout the grounds. You can still find the original gifted ginkgo at Batram’s Garden today - it’s one of the oldest in the country.
The vibrant saffron color of the foliage only lasted briefly this year. When we visited the trees on the morning of November 13th, all the leaves had fallen overnight. Ginkgo trees loose all their leaves at once when a cold frost hits, unlike other trees who lose their leaves over the course of a few days or weeks. With over 1,000 trees onsite, you can visit The Woodlands in the next few weeks to see the other trees hitting their peak fall foliage.
Photo taken on Tuesday, November 12th.
Written by:
Julia Griffith and Emma Max
Photo taken on Wednesday, November 13th.