Ailanthus altissima (tree-of-heaven)

Leaf type: Pinnate like large fronds, with elongated, lanceolate individual leaves
Phyllotaxis: Opposite (individual leaves), alternate (the large leaflets)
Colour: Light green, dark green, reddish in spring

Leaf (upper side)

Ailanthus altissima leaves in spring — Large leaflets in spring.

Ailanthus altissima leaflets — Single leaflets in spring.

Ailanthus altissima variegated — Tree-of-heaven with variegated leaves. This colouring may be caused by viruses.

Habitus & biology

Ailanthus altissima young leaves — Young trees-of-heaven in spring.

Ailanthus altissima is a deciduous tree and can grow up to 30 metres tall. It spreads by seed and runners, grows very quickly and can even overgrow blackberries.

Ailanthus altissima in autumn — Young trees-of-heaven on an embankment in autumn (October). In favourable locations, Ailanthus altissima can spread over large areas.

Distribution & habitates

The original distribution area includes China, Taiwan and Vietnam (source). Ailanthus altissima has spread to other regions as an ornamental tree and is considered invasive there, as it can displace local species.

Tree of heaven behind garden shed — Tree-of-heaven behind my garden shed. It grew so quickly there that I had to cut it back twice a year. The use of poison is out of the question for me.

Ailanthus altissima grows on roadsides, embankments, dams, parks, gardens, building sites, industrial wasteland, rubble dumps, walls and gravel paths.

large tree of heaven — This large tree-of-heaven grows directly in front of my balcony.

Botany

The tree-of-heaven, ailanthus tree or Chinese sumac (Ailanthus altissima) is a member of the quassia family (Simaroubaceae).

Ailanthus altissima vs. Rhus typhina

Ailanthus altissima is often mistaken for the (unrelated) Rhus typhina (staghorn sumac). However, the two species can be easily distinguished by their individual leaflets: those of the staghorn sumac are toothed, while those of the tree of heaven are smooth-edged.