Tree of Heaven
Ailanthus altissima · Deciduous, Broadleaf, Invasive
Plant Family
Simaroubaceae
Tree Category
Invasive Weed Tree, Shade Tree
Variety / Cultivar
None (wild type species)
Hardiness Zones
USDA 4-8; highly adaptable to temperature extremes and urban pollution.
About This Tree
A fast-growing, deciduous tree with a loose, spreading crown and sparse, thick branches. It is known for its ability to grow in poor conditions and its tendency to clonal colony formation via root suckers.
Leaf Characteristics
Large pinnately compound leaves (1-4 feet long) with 10-40 leaflets. Leaflets are lanceolate with 1-2 glandular teeth at the base. Foliage has a distinct, unpleasant odor when crushed, often described as rancid peanut butter.
Bark Characteristics
Initially smooth and pale grey/tan; mature bark becomes darker grey-brown with shallow diamond-shaped fissures and a texture resembling the skin of a cantaloupe.
Growing Information
Origin Region
China and Taiwan; highly invasive globally, especially in North America and Europe
Growing Season
Late leafing in spring (May), flowering in summer (June), fruit maturation late summer-autumn, dormant in winter
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade. Extremely drought tolerant; requires minimal water once established and adapts to very dry or rocky soils.
Mature Size
40-70 feet tall with a 35-50 foot spread. Rapid growth rate (3-6 feet per year). Lifespan is generally short, 30-50 years.
Special Characteristics
Highly invasive; produces allelopathic chemicals (ailanthone) that inhibit other plants; extremely difficult to eradicate due to vigorous root sprouting; host plant for the Spotted Lanternfly.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides limited nectar for bees and some seeds for birds; however, it generally disrupts local ecosystems by displacing native flora and supporting invasive pests like the Spotted Lanternfly.