Tree-Of-Heaven

Tree-of-Heaven

These trees produce large quantities of seeds and exude chemicals from their roots that suppress the growth of surrounding plants. Tree-of-heaven’s incredibly rapid growth rate allows it to outcompete native species for space and resources.

Common Name: Tree-of-heaven

Scientific Name: Ailanthus altissima

Native Range: China

Background

Tree-of-heaven is a rapidly growing deciduous tree that can reach 80 feet in height. Leaves are alternate and compound, with 10-41 leaflets that have smooth edges. Flowers are small, yellow-green, and appear in clusters in late spring or early summer. Flowers mature to large clusters of winged samaras in late summer. When crushed, the leaves and other plant parts produce a rancid odor.

Habitat

Tree-of-heaven prefers open, disturbed sites. It can be found growing along riparian corridors, forests edges and openings, fields, roadsides, and waste places.

NYS Distribution Map

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Identification

Tree-of-heaven has large compound leaves with smooth edges and glandular teeth. It produces large bunches of single-winged samaras (fruit) in summer. The leaves have a rancid aroma when crushed.

Impact

These trees produce large quantities of seeds and exude chemicals from their roots that suppress the growth of surrounding plants. Tree-of-heaven’s incredibly rapid growth rate allows it to outcompete native species for space and resources.

Prevention and Control

Small seedlings can be removed by hand pulling or digging. Larger plants and infestations can be treated with triclopyr or a glyphosate-based herbicide. Foliar spray, cut stump, basal bark, and hack and squirt are all effective.