Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle

Tree of Heaven; Copal Tree; Stink Tree

Tree

Perennial

Vascular

Tree of Heaven is an introduced deciduous tree in the Quassia family (Simaroubaceae). It is native to Taiwan and central China. In Alabama it can be found throughout the state, mostly in urban areas. Tree of Heaven grows along roadsides and railroads, in vacant lots, and sometimes invades disturbed forests. It is commonly seen growing from cracks in sidewalks and building in cities. In “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn”, a Tree of Heaven grows from a crack in the cement of a courtyard where the Nolan family lives. It was first introduced into the United States in Pennsylvania (1784) and in New York (1820) where it was planted as an ornamental. Tree of Heaven is a deciduous tree that can reach 80 feet in height, but it often shrubby in growth form. It has shallow roots, and often forms thickets from suckers. It has a straight trunk with smooth gray bark. The wood is brittle and trees often break or loose limbs. Leaves are alternate, odd pinnately compound with 15-27 leaflets, and can be 3 feet in length. The leaflets are lanceolate in outline with 1-5 gland tipped teeth near the base. The leaves are pubescent and glandular on both surfaces. Flowers are produced in large terminal panicles on short shoots. The flowers are usually unisexual, though some individuals produce perfect flowers. The flowers have 5 green, pubescent petals. The flowers and foliage produces a malodorous smell, especially when damaged. The fruit is a winged schizocarp. Tree of Heaven is also allelopathic (it produces a chemical that is released into the environment and inhibits other plants). Other common names for this species include “ghetto palm”, “Chinese Sumac”, “Stink Tree”, and “Tree of He**”. Tree of Heaven is listed as a Category 2 invasive species in Alabama by the Alabama Invasive Plant Council.--A. Diamond

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Not Native

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