Tree of Heaven

LEAVES: Alternate, compound, 1½’-3′ long, composed of 11-41 leaflets, the lower with a few coarse teeth near the base which have distinctive glands.

TWIGS: Stout, yellowish-green to reddish-brown, covered with a fine velvety down; Pith large, rather hard, light brown. Twigs have a rank odor when broken.

FRUIT: A spirally twisted wing, 1½” long, ½” wide, with 1 seed in the center, clusters often persist far into winter. Male and female flowers occur on separate trees.

BARK: Younger trunks smooth, light gray, older roughened with dark ridges, becoming dark gray and sometimes black.

GENERAL: This tree is originally from China and was first planted in this country near Philadelphia by English settlers. Often escaping cultivation, it is now found in disturbed woods, roadsides, vacant lots and railroad banks across southern Pennsylvania. The rapid growth of root sprouts makes it almost impossible to eradicate once established. Ailanthus can grow over 60′ high but is often smaller.