Tree of Heaven
Ailanthus altissima · Deciduous Broadleaf, Invasive
Plant Family
Simaroubaceae
Tree Category
Invasive Street Tree / Forest Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Not applicable (wild type)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4-8; highly adaptable to heat, urban pollution, and varying temperate climates.
About This Tree
A rapidly growing, medium-sized tree with a spreading, open crown. Known for its aggressive growth, ability to thrive in poor soil, and tendency to form dense clonal thickets via root suckers.
Leaf Characteristics
Large, pinnately compound leaves 1–3 feet long with 11–41 leaflets. Leaflets are lance-shaped with smooth margins except for one or two glandular teeth at the base. Leaflets emit a foul, peanut-butter-like odor when crushed.
Bark Characteristics
Smooth, pale gray bark when young, resembling the skin of a cantaloupe; becomes slightly fissured or rough with light tan cracks as it matures.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Northeast and Central China; widely invasive in North America, Europe, and Australia.
Growing Season
Leafs out in late spring (one of the last to do so), flowers in early summer, and remains active until the first hard frost. Enters dormancy in late autumn.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade. Extremely drought-tolerant and can survive in highly compacted, nutrient-poor, or contaminated soils with minimal water.
Mature Size
Typically 60–80 feet tall with a spread of 35–50 feet. Very fast growth rate (up to 3-5 feet per year) and relatively short lifespan (30–70 years).
Special Characteristics
Highly invasive; produces allelopathic chemicals (ailanthone) in its roots and leaves that inhibit the growth of surrounding plants. Extremely difficult to eradicate due to vigorous resprouting.
Wildlife & Ecology
Host plant for the invasive Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula). Provides minimal value to native wildlife and actively displaces native plant species and their associated ecosystems.