Tree of Heaven

(Ailanthus altissima)

Interesting Information About Plant: 

     This tree came over from China. It was used to provide silk worms with food. However, when the silk worms died the tree did not and it is hard to get rid of. It can grow up to 80 fet tall and it creates a large under ground root system which can crack foundations and pipe lines. Not only does this hardy plant grow rapidly, but it produces thousands of winged seeds which disperse in the wind. It also can produce suckers from its roots which new trees can sprout from. This plant can live in almost any environment including urban areas. It has often grown in the way of city pavement and rail roads. It does not need rich soil. It is only recommended for planting in areas where it is too difficult to plant other trees. Its weak, woody branches break easily in storms. It also produces a sickening odor similar to that of burned peanut butter when its leaves are crushed. It has been used a pesticide and to treat worms and dysentery.

Scientific Name: Ailanthus altissima

Family Name (Scientific and Common): Simaroubaceae   (Quassia)

Continent of Origin: Asia

Plant Growth Habit: Tree

Height at Maturity: More than 10 Feet

Life Span: Perennial

Seasonal Habit: Deciduous Perennial

Growth Habitat: Partial Sun  

Manner of Culture: Native Species 

Thorns on Younger Stem: No

Cross Section of Younger Stem: Roundish

Stem (or Trunk) Diameter: Between The Diameter of a Broom-Handle and a Coffee-Mug  

Produces Brownish Bark: Yes

Bark Peeling in Many Areas: No

Characteristics of Mature (Brownish) Bark: Smooth Bark  

Type of Leaf:   Flat, Thin Leaf  

Length of Leaf (or Leaflet):   Longer Than a Writing Pen

Leaf Complexity: Pinnately Compound 

Edge of Leaf: Smooth 

Leaf Arrangement: Opposite 

Leaf has Petiole: Yes 

Patterns of Main-Veins on Leaf (or Leaflet): Pinnate 

Leaf Hairiness: No Hairs

Color of Foliage in Summer: Green

Change in Color of Foliage in October: Changes to Yellow

Flowering Season: Spring 

Flowers: Tightly Clustered 

Type of Flower: Like a Grass Flower

Color of Flower: Yellow 

Shape of Individual Flower: Radially Symmetrical 

Size of Individual Flower: Smaller than a Quarter  

Sexuality: Male and Female on Separate Trees   

Size of Fruit: Smaller than a Quarter 

Fruit Fleshiness: Dry

Shape of Fruit: Winged    

Color of Fruit at Maturity:  Brown and Dry

Fruit Desirable to Birds or Squirrels: No   

Common Name(s): Tree of Heaven

Louisville Plants That Are Most Easily Confused With This One: shrubs such as sumacs, and trees like ash, and black walnut

Unique Morphological Features of Plant: Has suckers on its roots to allow other trees to sprout

Poisonous: No   

Pestiness (weedy, hard to control): Yes  

Page prepared by:

Christine Benson      

November 2004