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Tree of Heaven
Ailanthus altissima
 Identification
Tree of heaven is
a small to medium tree or large shrub. It possesses large,
alternately arranged, compound leaves with 15 or more pointed
leaflets each. Flowers are yellow and appear in clusters at the tips
of branches in spring. Fruit is a somewhat round, winged samara
similar to the fruit of an elm tree. Bark is light gray and smooth.
All parts of the tree have a strong offensive odor.
Origin
Central China
Habitat
Common in
disturbed urban areas; sprouts up everywhere there is disturbed soil
in cities. In rural areas, it occupies roadsides, fencerows, and
fields. When forests are disturbed from logging, storms, or tree
diseases, tree of heaven usually appears in the newly created
openings. It thrives in poor soils and is tolerant of pollution;
however, it is not shade tolerant and will not survive in overly wet
soils.
Ecological Threat
Tree of heaven is
quick to establish itself in an area. It grows very rapidly,
and soon forms impassable thickets, pushing out all native
vegetation. It is an agricultural pest as well, sprouting up by the
hundreds in newly cultivated fields. It colonizes an area quickly by
root sprouting, wind- and water-dispersed seeds, and soil
disturbance by human activity. It also possesses alleopathic toxins
which inhibit growth of other plants, giving it a competitive edge
against weaker native plant species.
Recommended Native Alternatives
-
Staghorn
sumac (Rhus typhina)
-
Winged sumac
(Rhus copallinum)
-
White ash (Fraxinus
americana)
These pages are designed to give the
layperson a general overview of non-native invasive plants commonly
found in the upper Hiwassee River watershed. For more comprehensive
and technical information about a particular species, visit one of
the web sites from our
Links
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