Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima)

Status: common near Bloomington, occasional through the rest of Monroe County

Description: Rapidly‐growing tree; mature trees can be 80' tall or more. Trees have smooth trunks when young with pale gray bark and light chestnut brown twigs; the bark is rougher on older trees. Leaves are alternate, pinnately compound, 1‐4' long. Composed of 11‐25 leaflets, which are entire with the exception of 1 to several glandular teeth near the base. Flowers are small, yellow‐green, with 5‐6 petals, in dense terminal inflorescences. Dioecious, blooms in late spring. Fruits are green turning to pink to tan, papery, in clusters; may remain on tree through winter.

Threat:
  • Can quickly take over open sites and disturbed forests
  • Able to out-compete native hardwoods by growing faster and taller than native trees, shifting forests into tree of heaven monocultures.
  • Tree of heaven is also a preferred host for Spotted Lanternfly, so its presence increases the risk of this new invasive pest moving into the area. 

Controlling Tree of Heaven

Tree of heaven can be difficult to control. For effective methods you can use on this species, click below.

Tree of Heaven Article

Click here for an interesting article on tree of heaven from The Nature Conservancy.

Tree of Heaven Video

Click here for an educational video on tree of heaven, including how to identify it in the field.