Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus) *

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Tree of Heaven
Ailanthus altissima

A grove of tree of heaven trees
Robert Vidéki, Doronicum Kft., Bugwood.org

Life cycle/information: deciduous tree. The preferred host plant of spotted lanternfly.
Growth habit: fast growing and invasive*; leaf large, 1 to 4 ft. long, compound with 11 - 25 leaflets; leaflets have a smooth margin and 1-2 teeth near the base with a pair of small glandular structures; entire plant has an unpleasant odor but particularly the leaves if they are crushed.
Tree of Heaven looks similar to native sumac and black walnut.

Compound leaf of tree of heaven

Reproduction: seeds; male and female flowers on separate plants, followed by papery samaras; large leaf scars and smooth bark; resprouts from roots if cut

Tree of heaven ripening seed pods
Annemarie Smith, ODNR Division of Forestry, Bugwood.org

Leaf scar on twig
Daniel Herms, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org

Conditions that favor growth: escaped cultivation and can be found in any location, even under harsh conditions

Tree of heaven seedling

 Controlling Tree of Heaven

• Invasive Tree Control
• Penn State Extension - Tree of Heaven 
• Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Areas
• (PDF) Tree of Heaven Fact Sheet
• (PDF) Native Plant Society
• (PDF) Herbicide Advice for Homeowners University of Florida Agronomy Department

Additional Resources

• Maryland Biodiversity Project - More ID photos of tree of heaven
• The Mistaken Identity: Invasive Plants and their Native Look-Alikes 
• Tree of Heaven Information - Penn State

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