Genus and species: Ailanthus altissima

Leaves: The leaves are pinnately compound, 12-24" (30-60cm) long and containing 13-25 paired leaflets that are each about 3-5" 7.5-13cm) long and 1-2" (2.5-5cm) wide. (View Measured Leaf) The leaflets are lance-shaped and have 2-5 teeth near broad base. Beneath each tooth, there is a gland dot. They are green on top, paler and hairy beneath.(View Leaves)

Bark: The bark is gray, rough and deeply furrowed. (View Bark) The twigs are short, light brown, and very hairy.

Fruit: The fruit is 1.5" (4cm) long, reddish-green or brown, narrow, flat, winged and contains one seed. They tend to hang in large clusters.(View Fruit)

Tree: The tree grows to be 50-80' (15-24m) tall, and has a spreading, rounded crown, and short branches, as pictured to the left.

Range and Habitat: These trees are native of China, however, they are commonly planted and spread across temperate North America. They can usually be found near waste places.