Tree of Heaven
Ailanthus altissima · Deciduous Broadleaf, Invasive
Plant Family
Simaroubaceae
Tree Category
Ornamental (formerly), Forest Tree, Opportunistic Weed
Variety / Cultivar
Not applicable
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 8; highly adaptable to temperature extremes.
About This Tree
A rapid-growing deciduous tree with a spreading, open crown. Known for its ability to thrive in poor soils and urban environments. It features large, pinnately compound leaves and large clusters of winged seeds (samaras).
Leaf Characteristics
Pinnately compound, 1-4 feet long with 11-41 leaflets; leaflets are lanceolate with smooth margins except for 1-2 glandular teeth at the base; emits a strong, unpleasant 'rancid peanut butter' odor when crushed.
Bark Characteristics
Gray and smooth on young trees, becoming slightly fissured with age; often has light-colored vertical streaks resembling cantaloupe skin.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to China and Taiwan; widely naturalized and invasive throughout North America and Europe
Growing Season
Leafs out in late spring (one of the last to do so), flowers late spring/early summer, seeds mature late summer and persist through winter
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun preferred but highly shade-tolerant; extremely drought-tolerant once established; grows in almost any soil type including rocky, nutrient-deficient, or polluted areas.
Mature Size
Reaches heights of 60-80 feet with a spread of 35-50 feet; growth rate is extremely fast, often 3-5 feet per year; relatively short-lived (30-50 years).
Special Characteristics
Strongly allelopathic (produces ailanthone which inhibits other plant growth); highly resistant to pollution and salt; notable for its ability to sprout aggressively from root suckers.
Wildlife & Ecology
Host plant for the Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), an invasive pest; seeds are eaten by some birds and squirrels, though it generally offers low ecological value and displaces native biodiversity.