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National Register of Big Trees

Sep 14, 2006

Big and Old

(4) Comments

The National Register of Big Trees does not list any ginkgo trees on its list. Their reason?

To be eligible for the National Register of Big Trees, a species must be recognized as native or naturalized in the continental United States, including Alaska but not Hawaii.

Although one may ask for a tree species to be to the list, it seems unlikely that ginkgos will be added. Ginkgos, of course, are not native to the United States, and neither are they naturalized, according to their definition:

A naturalized tree is an introduced species that has become common and established itself as though wild, reproducing naturally and spreading.

Some state registries are less particular; a spot check reveals that Michigan and Connecticut list ginkgos on their state big tree registries. A former roommate from Seymour, Indiana told me that the ginkgo tree in her family’s backyard is the largest ginkgo in Indiana. At the moment, there’s no way for me to verify it (although it is indeed large, as I have seen it), since Indiana’s registry uses the same criteria as the national registry—no ginkgos.

Increasing ginkgo geekiness demands that I begin to search out these trees. Consider this a standing invitation for all readers to submit pictures and information of either confirmed or alleged “champion” ginkgos in their state, province, country, or other geographical entity.

Posted by Kelly

Comments on this entry

  • Hi,
    How large is the ginko in your roomates yard in Seymour?  If you are writing this you probably know to measure its circumference 4 1/2 feet from the ground.  There are two extremely large ginkos on Indiana University’s campus in front of the Student building.  I have not measured them, but they have to be at least 12 foot in circumference.  If you are interested I will measure them. —Michael

    Posted by Michael Glasgow on Tuesday, September 26, 2006 at 9:16 PM

  • I don’t know how large that tree is, as it’s been ten years since I’ve been down there.

    However, I should be able to find out, if her parents are still living there. I’ll give it a shot (and try to get some pictures, too).

    And yes, I’m interested. Are they male or female? Would you be willing to send pictures?

    Posted by Kelly on Wednesday, September 27, 2006 at 3:41 AM

  • Ginkgo trees are native to North America—just not in our recorded history.  As I understand it, they exist in the American fossil record up to about 7 million years ago.  They may have died out by the time people arrived and started cataloging things, but they did make it here on their own.

    Posted by Jon on Tuesday, October 31, 2006 at 5:28 PM

  • In WA State we have Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park, near the Columbia River in Vantage, home of petrified pieces of what was once a prolific tree species in the area millennia ago. The National Registry of Big Trees needs to be aware that they most certainly were once indigenous; reintroducing seeds or seedlings of the species doesn’t negate its native status.  The largest living specimen I’ve personally seen is on the grounds of the Ezra Meeker Mansion in Puyallup, WA—well worth any effort it might be to see such a beauty!

    Posted by Georgine on Tuesday, February 27, 2007 at 3:04 PM

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