tree-of-heaven
Family
SimaroubaceaeScientific Name
Ailanthus altissima
Other Common Names:
ailanthus
Synonyms (former Scientific Names):
Ailanthus glandulosa
Habit
Seeds germinate and dormant branches produce foliage in spring. Plants grow vigorously during summer and produce flowers in late summer to early fall before going dormant for winter.
Leaves
Individual leaves are arranged alternately along the stem and consist of 15-27 individual leaflets per leaf. Leaflets are lanceolate in shape with entire margins except for 1-5 teeth near the base of each leaflet. The foliage emits a distinctive, often considered unpleasant, odor. Leaves typically lack hairs.
Identifying Characteristics
Weedy, colonizing trees with alternate and compound leaves and foliage that emits an unpleasant odor.
Flower Seed Head
Produced in large terminal panicles. Individual flowers are relatively inconspicuous and consist of 5 green petals that are approximately 1.5 to 2.5 mm long.
Seed Fruit
Woody, light brown to tan in color, and stout. A winged samara that is approximately 1.5 inches long and contains only one seed. Clusters of about 2 to 5 samaras occur at a time.
Where Found
This tree has developed into a problem along roadsides, in rights-of-way, in urban areas, and even in certain agricultural fields. Found throughout the United States. This invasive species has infested much of Virginia's roadsides crowding out native tree species.
Growth Habit
woody bush or tree
Thorns or Spines
not present
Approximate Flower Diameter
pencil
Dominant Flower Color
Varies:
white,
yellow,
green
Flower Symmetry
radial symmetery
Leaf Hairs
no hairs
Leaf Shape
lance
Leaf Arrangement
alternate
Leaf Margin
serrated
Leaf Structure
pinnate
Leaf Stalk
shorter than leaf
Stem Hairs
no hairs
Stem Cross Section
round or oval
Milky Sap
not present
Root Structure
taproot
Life Cycle
perennial
Ochrea
not present
Plant Type
Tree