This Ginko tree, Chinese in origin, was thought for 100 years to be extinct, then "re-discovered". It is fairly rare, though I have seen several in the Asheville/Hendersonville area (planted, of course). In Fall, the leaves turn a beautiful golden color, similar to Aspens...

This picture was taken at the Carl Sandburg home in Flat Rock, NC -- the tree looks quite normal/average from a distance; not at all eye-catching. The interesting aspect is of course the fan-shaped leaf (which is actually quite thick and durable). I have seen another 2 in downtown Asheville on a little side street (in front of Asheville's climbing wall near Patton Ave.).