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tree-of-heaven

Ailanthus altissima

The tree of heaven is a tall tree with big, green leaves that can grow very quickly! It has a strong smell that some people say is like burnt peanuts.

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The tree-of-heaven is a rapidly growing deciduous tree, often recognized by its long, compound leaves featuring 10-40 leaflets, each with a distinctive tooth and gland near the base. Its smooth, pale grey bark on young trees darkens and fissures with age, while its clusters of papery, reddish-brown winged seeds, called samaras, persist into winter.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderSapindalesFamilySimaroubaceaeGenusAilanthus
tree-of-heaven
Photo: Darkone ( talk · contribs )CC BY-SA 2.5 · Wikimedia CommonsView original ↗
deciduous trait badgebroadleaf tree trait badgefragrant flower trait badgepollinator magnet trait badge
tree-of-heaven

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

89

Interesting facts

Certain moths, like the Ailanthus silkmoth, love eating its leaves!

Its wood is so soft and weak, it's not good for building!

One tree can make hundreds of thousands of seeds each year!

Some call it "ghetto palm" because it grows in tough city spots!

Special abilities

Ability

Rapid Riser

Tree-of-heaven can grow incredibly fast, shooting up several feet each year to outcompete other plants for sunlight.

Ability

Chemical Warrior

Tree-of-heaven releases special chemicals from its roots that make it hard for other plants to grow nearby.

Ability

Clone Creator

Tree-of-heaven can sprout new trees from its roots, quickly forming dense thickets even after being cut down.

Measurements & details

Height
1500-2500 cm
Spread
1000-1500 cm
Flower Size
0.5-1 cm
Bloom Season
Summer
Edible
No
Toxicity
Mild
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

Eats

Ailanthus webworm moth

Atteva aurea

Larvae feed on the leaves, sometimes defoliating the tree.

Eats

Ailanthus silkmoth

Samia cynthia

Its caterpillars feed exclusively on the leaves of Ailanthus.

Parasitizes

Ailanthus wilt fungus

Verticillium nonalfalfae

This fungus causes a lethal wilt disease, often used for biocontrol.

Pollinates

European honey bee

Apis mellifera

Honey bees are attracted to its nectar and pollen during bloom.

Traits

Also known as

Stink TreeTree of Heaven

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Be careful not to touch the leaves too much, as they can sometimes irritate your skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify tree-of-heaven?

Start with the whole plant, then compare leaf arrangement, leaf edges, stems and any flowers or fruit. Opposite leaves grow in pairs; alternate leaves come one at a time along the stem. These details tell you far more together than a single green leaf does. Plant Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

How tall is tree-of-heaven?

1500-2500 cm

How wide does tree-of-heaven spread?

1000-1500 cm

How big are the flowers on tree-of-heaven?

0.5-1 cm

When does tree-of-heaven bloom?

Summer

Is tree-of-heaven edible?

No

Is tree-of-heaven toxic?

Mild

What is tree-of-heaven's lifecycle?

Perennial

Snap Map

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