| tree-of-heaven | USDA PLANTS Symbol: AIAL U.S. Nativity: Exotic Habit: Hardwood Trees |
| Ailanthus altissima (P. Mill.) Swingle |
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Taxonomic Rank: Magnoliopsida: Sapindales: Simaroubaceae |
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| Synonym(s): tree of heaven, ailanthus, copal tree, stinking shumac, varnish tree, Chinese sumac, paradise-tree | |
| Native Range: China (REHD, BAIL); | |
Tree of heaven is a rapidly growing, typically small tree up to 80 ft. (24.4 m) in height and 6 ft. (1.8 m) in diameter. It has pinnately compound leaves that are 1-4 ft. (0.3-1.2 m) in length with 10-41 leaflets. Flowering occurs in early summer, when large clusters of yellow flowers develop above the leaves. Fruit produced on female plants are tan to reddish, single winged and wind and water-dispersed. Tree of heaven resembles the sumacs and hickories, but is easily distinguished by the glandular, notched base on each leaflet and large leaf scars on the twigs. It is extremely tolerant of poor soil conditions and can even grow in cement cracks. Trees are not shade tolerant, but thrive in disturbed forests or edges. Dense clonal thickets displace native species and can rapidly take over fields, meadows and harvested forests. Tree of heaven, native to Asia, was first introduced into North America in 1748 by a Pennsylvania gardener. It was widely planted in cities because of its ability to grow in poor conditions. |
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Identification, Biology, Control and Management Resources
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| Selected Images from Invasive.org | View All Images at Invasive.org |
 Feature(s); Glandular notch at the base of the leaflets. Martin County, KY Chris Evans, Illinois Wildlife Action Plan, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage |
 Foliage; Paul Wray, Iowa State University, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage |
 Foliage; Paul Wray, Iowa State University, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage |
 Feature(s); Distinctive glands on ears at leaflet bases. James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage |
 Bark; Paul Wray, Iowa State University, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage |
 Fruit(s); in September James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage |
 Infestation; Chris Evans, Illinois Wildlife Action Plan, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage |
 Sapling(s); Growing in recently cut-over area. Chris Evans, Illinois Wildlife Action Plan, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage |
 Foliage; Chuck Bargeron, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage |
 Fruit(s); Chuck Bargeron, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage |
 Tree(s); Ian Trueman, University of Wolverhampton, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage |
 Infestation; Chris Evans, Illinois Wildlife Action Plan, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage |
 Seedling(s); Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage |
 Tree(s); Trees growing along Interstate Highway 75. Chuck Bargeron, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage |
 Feature(s); leaf gland in September James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage |
 Foliage; August James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage |
 Infestation; Infestation along roadside Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage |
 Flower(s); Staminate inflorescence Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage |
 Feature(s); leaf scar and bud Jan Samanek, State Phytosanitary Administration, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage |
 Flower(s); Jan Samanek, State Phytosanitary Administration, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage |
 Foliage; Jan Samanek, State Phytosanitary Administration, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage |
 Infestation; Chuck Bargeron, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage |
 Fruit(s); Steve Hurst, USDA NRCS PLANTS Database, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage |
 Plant(s); Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. Illustrated flora of the northern states and Canada. Vol. 2: 446. USDA PLANTS Database, USDA NRCS PLANTS Database, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage |
 Control; Nancy Fraley, USDI National Park Service, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage |
 Infestation; David J. Moorhead, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage |
| EDDMapS Distribution: This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts and records obtained from USDA Plants Database. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org Alternative content
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 State(s) Where Reported invasive. Based on state level agency and organization lists of invasive plants from WeedUS database. Alternative content
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