It is a native of the Far East where the tree was brought back from near extinction through its cultivation for medicinal uses. It was brought to America in the late 1700's and has primarily been used here as an ornamental. This is a very hardy, dioecious tree with light green fan shaped leaves. It can reach heights up to 125 feet and is extremely hardy, as it is resistant to many insects, diseases and pollution. Individual trees have been known to live as long as 1000 years.
Female trees produce fruit in the autumn months.
The seed has been used for approximately 3000 years in China for it's curative powers. It was traditionally used for the treatment of asthma and other respiratory ailments. More recently, extensive research on the herb has been conducted on the healing properties of the leaf extract. Germany and France have run literally hundreds of studies on the leaf extract. These studies along with similar studies in America, have shown significant results.