Tree of Heaven
Ailanthus altissima
| Common Name: | Tree of Heaven |
| Scientific Name: | Ailanthus altissima |
| Family: | Simaroubaceae |
| Growth Form: | Tree |
| Native Range: | |
| Invasive Range: | The Tree of Heaven has invaded 42 of the 50 |
| Introduction: | The Tree of Heaven was first brought to the |
| Description: | ·Leaves: Compound and toothed, leaflets opposite. Between 13 and 25 leaflets per leaf. Leaves 30-61 cm (12-24 in.)long. Glands on underside.
·Twigs: Extremely thick, hairy when young. Pale brown color. ·Bark: Smooth light bark, brown in color. Becomes rough and fissured as tree matures. ·Flowers: Flowers greenish-yellow in color, 6mm (.25 in.) long. They occur in clusters at the end of branches. Male flowers do not smell good. Flowering occurs in late spring and early summer. ·Fruit: Fruit appears in early autumn. Is narrow, flat and winged, with a reddish color. |
| Threats: | The Tree of Heaven grows rapidly and can out-compete native vegetation. It is able to form an impenetrable thicket and releases toxins that prevent other plants from establishing themselves. The roots are strong enough to damage sewers, wells, and building foundations. |
| Fun Facts: | The Tree of Heaven grows well in urban environments and has been known to sprout up in the middle of alleys or sidewalks. This is the tree that was described by Betty Smith in the classic work of fiction, “A Tree Grows in |
English ivy on a tree
Leaf
English ivy taking over a tree
Tree
Leaf
Bark
Glands