Tree of Heaven

Tree of Heaven (*Ailanthus altissima*) is a fast-growing deciduous tree in the quassia family, Simaroubaceae.

Tree of Heaven (*Ailanthus altissima*) is a fast-growing deciduous tree in the quassia family, Simaroubaceae. Native to eastern and central China and Taiwan, it has been widely introduced elsewhere and is now considered invasive in many regions. It was historically planted as an ornamental and street tree because it tolerates pollution and poor growing conditions.

Taxonomy and naming

Tree of Heaven is the species *Ailanthus altissima* in the genus *Ailanthus*. The common name is widely used in English, and the species is also known by several other vernacular names such as ailanthus tree and stinking tree.

Description and growth

This species is a rapid-growing deciduous tree with large compound leaves made up of multiple leaflets. Sources describe it as capable of reaching substantial height and thriving in a wide range of soil conditions.

Distribution and invasiveness

Tree of Heaven is native to eastern and central China and Taiwan but has been introduced widely in temperate and subtropical regions. It was introduced outside its native range as an ornamental and shade tree, and it has become invasive in many places, especially in disturbed urban and forest-edge habitats. It is now widely regarded as an invasive species in North America and elsewhere.

Uses and ecological impact

The tree was planted for ornamental and street use because of its tolerance of pollution, insects, disease, and poor soils. Its leaves, bark, and roots can produce compounds associated with allelopathic effects and ecological impact. In invaded ecosystems it can crowd out native plants, damage infrastructure, and support invasive insects such as spotted lanternfly, for which it is a preferred host plant.