Toxicodendron altissimum Mill.
Ailanthus glandulosa Desf.
Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle Tree of heaven, ailanthus, Chinese sumac, paradise-tree, copal tree, stinking sumac, varnish tree
This Chinese native plant was introduced to Philadelpha, PA in 1784. It was extensively planted during the 1800s, establishing it widely through much of North America. It prefers moist, loamy soils, but tolerates a wide range of conditions, with the exception of flooding. It is so tolerant that it is used even to reclaim strip mined soils. The moniker “tree of heaven” is a bit ironic, considering that the name refers to its height, which is rather average for trees. And it is so robust in so many habitats that it is frequently considered one of the worst invasive species in Europe and North America. It secretes a toxin that poisons other plants. “Tree of hell” might be more apt. If you’re thinking of planting one on purpose, please don’t. Plants: This deciduous tree lives fast and furious, growing rapidly to heights of 56-89' (17-27 m), rarely living more than 50 years. It produces suckers that creates clones, though, so it propagates quickly. Bark is smooth and light gray, with a texture a bit like a cantaloupe. Leaf scars on branches are heart-shaped. Twigs have a light brown pithy interior, similar in texture to styrofoam. Wood is weak, breaking easily in storms. Leaves: Alternate, even pinnate or odd pinnate, 12-35" (30-90 cm) long, with 10-41 leaflets. The rachis, or stem between the leaflets, is light green to reddish. Leaflets are ovate to lanceolate, with minutely toothed edges. The leaves smell bad when crushed. Flowers: Panicles up to 20" (50 cm) are dotted with small yellowish-green to reddish flowers. Male and female flowers appear on different trees, making this species dioecious. Flowers appear from May to July. Fruits: Samaras, gold or reddish colored twisted wings, each containing a seed, are oblanceolate in shape. Samaras occur in dense clusters, with each one 1-2" (2.5-5 cm) long and about ¼-½" (6.3-12 mm) wide. They persist through winter. A single female tree can produce 300,000 seeds annually, and the wings help to propel them far and wide. Medical: Although used as an astringent in traditional Chinese medicine, tree of heaven can be toxic to domestic animals and cause allergic reactions for some people. Online References:
Ailanthus altissima on www.srs.fs.usda.gov Ailanthus altissima on Wikipedia Ailanthus altissima at the Missouri Botanical Garden Ailanthus altissima on plants.ces.ncsu.edu Ailanthus altissima on extension.psu.edu Ailanthus altissima on www.nature.org 7/23/2010 · Nashua River Boat Ramp on Rte 119, Groton, Massachusetts Toxicodendron altissimum Mill. Ailanthus glandulosa Desf.
Ailanthus altissima description by Thomas H. Kent, last updated 31 Aug 2021. © FloraFinder.org. All rights reserved. |
7/5/2010 · Tarrywile Park and Mansion, Danbury, Connecticut 7/5/2010 · Tarrywile Park and Mansion, Danbury, Connecticut 7/3/2012 · By Jacquelyn Boyt 7/2/2010 · Stansbury Mill Rd, Phoenix, Maryland Range: Zones 4a-8a:
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