tree-of-heaven
Ailanthus altissima
This species is the titular tree in the classic novel 'A Tree Grows in Brooklyn,' celebrated for its ability to grow out of literal cement cracks.
- Scientific name
- Ailanthus altissima
- Taxonomy
- Plantae › Tracheophyta › Magnoliopsida › Sapindales › Simaroubaceae › Ailanthus
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- increasing
- Biome
- urban
- Habitat
- Disturbed urban areas, roadsides, railway corridors, forest edges, and agricultural fields.
- Diet
- Autotrophic (Photosynthesis)
- Range
- Northeast and Central China (native), North America (invasive), Europe (invasive), Australia (invasive)
- Size
- 15 to 27 meters (50 to 90 feet) tall
- Lifespan
- 30 to 50 years
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Targeted eradication efforts, herbicides, and native ecosystem restoration initiatives.
- Safe to approach?
- Defensive/Allergenic. While not aggressively dangerous, the sap contains toxins that can cause skin irritation, contact dermatitis, or rare systemic issues if absorbed through open wounds. Wear thick gloves and long sleeves if pulling or cutting this tree. If sap contacts skin, wash immediately with soap and water.
Ailanthus altissima (/eɪˈlænθəs ælˈtɪsɪmə/ ay-LAN-thəss al-TIH-sim-ə ), commonly known as tree of heaven or ailanthus tree , is a deciduous tree in the quassia family. It is native to northeast, central China, and Taiwan. Unlike other members of the genus Ailanthus , it is found in temperate climates rather than the tropics.
Photo: Nicola van Berkel, CC-BY-SA, via iNaturalist
Plain-text version: /species/b3bc4a6c-a884-424c-bb26-73f91ce9c88d.md