Species: Ailanthus altissima

(ay-lan'thus al-tis'i-mah)

Ailanthus altissima

Tree-of-Heaven

Found on Course Walks

Native and Invasive Plants

Map of plant locations

(Plant location data may be incomplete)

In Collection(s):

Tree Identification Guide

Cultivars

'Hongye', 'Metro', 'Pendulifolia', 'Thousand Leaders', 'var. erythrocarpa'

Ornamental Characteristics

Size: Tree > 30 feet

Height: 40' - 60' (25' - 40')

Leaves: Deciduous

Shape: upright, spreading

Ornamental Other: extremely adaptable - even in poor soil and in proximity to salt; can be a noxious weed

Environmental Characteristics

Light: Full sun, Part shade

Hardy To Zone: 5a

Soil Ph: Can tolerate acid to alkaline soil (pH 5.0 to 8.0)

Salt Tolerance: Tolerates salt spray

Environmental Other: dark green foliage gives coarse, tropical appearance; yellow to bright red ornamental fruit on female trees

Moisture Tolerance: Occasionally saturated or very wet soil; Consistently moist, well-drained soil; Occasional periods of dry soil
See graphic below

Insect Disease

verticillium can be a problem; short-lived; soft wood is easily damaged by snow and ice

Bare Root Transplanting

Other

dioecious - male plant gives off disagreeable odor; fast-growth; produces considerable litter, native to China, Naturalized in Europe and N. America INVASIVE in North America

Moisture Tolerance Graphic

Please view this page on a tablet or larger screen for the moisture graph

Moisture Tolerance

Moisture graphic

Occasionally saturated or very wet soil

Consistently moist, well-drained soil

Occasional periods of dry soil

Prolonged periods of dry soil

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12