Tree of Heaven

Ailanthus altissima

Tree of Heaven - A deciduous tree growing up to 60 feet tall. Plant parts may be identified by a distinctive peanut butter/popcorn smell.

Leaves: Leaves are compound and alternate, and each leaf has anywhere from 10-27 leaflets usually. Leaflets are mostly smooth-edged, except for a few rounded teeth and a visibly large gland on the underside, towards the base of the leaf.

Flowers: Flowers bloom from May-July. Trees will either have male or female flower clusters at the tips of the stems with the male flowers being larger. Flowers are light green-yellow in color.

Habitat: Commonly found near forest edges, woodlands, fence rows, roadsides, railroad embankments, old fields, and urban parks.

Weed Classification: C

Why is it a Noxious Weed?

A fast-growing tree that forms thickets and outcompetes native plants by leaching allelochemicals into the ground that are toxic or harmful to nearby plants. This species is highly rhizomatous and 'suckers' excessively.

Tree of Heaven is also the preferred host for the Spotted Lanternfly! This invasive insect can cause massive damage to trees including fruit trees. To get ahead of this insect's spread, it is beneficial to remove Trees-of-Heaven if found on your property. Please let us know if you have one on your property.

Spotted Lanternfly

The spotted lanternfly is a large species of leafhopper, with piercing/sucking mouthparts. This species predates on

Almonds
Apples
Apricots
Cherries
Grapes
Hops
Maple Trees
Nectarines
Oak Trees
Peaches
Pine Trees
Plums
Poplar Trees
Sycamore Trees
Walnut Trees
Willow Trees