Ailanthus altissima                   

Family: Simaroubaceae

Common names: Chinese sumach, Ailanthus, Tree of Heaven, Chinese Tree of Heaven

• Description

Tree-of-heaven, also known as ailanthus, Chinese sumac, and stinking shumac, is a rapidly growing, deciduous tree in the mostly tropical quassia family (Simaroubaceae). Mature trees can reach 80 feet or more in height. Ailanthus has smooth stems with pale gray bark, and twigs which are light chestnut brown, especially in the dormant season. Its large compound leaves, 1-4 feet in length, are composed of 11-25 smaller leaflets and alternate along the stems. Each leaflet has one to several glandular teeth near the base. In late spring, clusters of small, yellow-green flowers appear near the tips of branches. Seeds are produced on female trees in late summer to early fall, in flat, twisted, papery structures called samaras, which may remain on the trees for long periods of time. The wood of ailanthus is soft, weak, coarse-grained, and creamy white to light brown in color.  All parts of the tree, especially the flowers, have a strong, offensive odor, which some have likened to peanuts or cashews.

• Location

Tree-of-heaven is widely distributed across the United States, occurring in forty-two states, from Maine to Florida and west to California. Tree-of-heaven is a common tree in disturbed urban areas, where it sprouts up just about anywhere, including alleys, sidewalks, parking lots, and streets. The book A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, by Betty Smith based on the ailanthus tree. Away from cities, it is commonly seen in fields, and along roadsides, fencerows, woodland edges and forest openings. Nationally, ailanthus has become an agricultural pest and may occur as seedlings that pop up by the hundreds in recently planted fields, or as persistent thickets in rocky, untillable areas.

• Culture

Tree-of-heaven is a prolific seed producer, grows rapidly, and can overrun native vegetation. Once established, it can quickly take over a site and form an impenetrable thicket. Ailanthus trees also produces toxins that prevent the establishment of other plant species. The root system is aggressive enough to cause damage to sewers and foundations. 

• References

USDA Plants Database

UC Cooperative Extension

PCA Alien Plant Working Group

Nature Conservancy

Forest Service

Ailanthus altissima Arundo donax Tamarix ramosissima

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