Tree-of-heaven
September 11, 2015
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EmailAilanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle
Life cycle
Fast-growing, weedy tree.
Tree-of-heaven weedy habit.
Leaves
Alternate, pinnately compound with 11 to 41 leaflets, approaching 36 inches long. Leaflets are spear-shaped, 2 to 6 inches long, dark green above and pale green below. Leaf margins are smooth except for one to a few coarse teeth near the base; each tooth has a large gland beneath. Damaged leaves emit an unpleasant odor.
Glands on underside of leaflet teeth (left). Tree-of-heaven leaf (right).
Stems
A small to medium-sized tree, reaching up to 80 feet in height, although 40 feet is more common. Twigs are stout, yellowish to reddish brown and either smooth or downy. Bark is thin, smooth and pale to dark gray. Damaged stems emit an unpleasant odor.
Tree-of-heaven sapling.
Flowers and fruit
Small, green to yellow flowers are produced in terminal clusters. Fruit are single-seeded, 1.5-inch-long, winged samaras found in crowded clusters.
Reproduction
Seeds and prolific vegetative sprouts.
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