Tree of Heaven

Ailanthus altissima

Stems of pinnately compound leaves. Leaflets are smooth edged with one or two bumps near the base.

Plant Description

Because it has compound leaves with numerous leaflets, this deciduous tree can be confused with sumac, black walnut, or ash. Tree of Heaven’s leaflets have smooth margins with 1-2 bumps at their bases. Female trees produce winged seeds (samaras).

Plant Details

Life Forms	Broadleaf Tree
Habitats	Disturbed sites Fencelines Forest edges Forest openings Gardens Little Habitats Parklands Railroad tracks Residential yards Riparian areas Roadsides
ODA Listing	B
Soil and Moisture Conditions	Moist
Suggested Actions	Use BMPs to control on private property
Shade Preference	Full sun Part shade
Mature Height	25-80'
Distribution	Found across much of the U.S., with scattered distribution in western Oregon, along the Columbia River, and in far eastern Oregon.
Control	Hand pulling young seedlings works if the whole root system is removed. Cutting and mowing do not work as the trees send up many suckers and sprouts. Tree of heaven cannot tolerate shade.
Disposal Methods	Remove cut stems from moist ground to avoid root spread.
Reproduction and Spread	Spreads by seeds (over 300,000 per plant annually) and forms thickets via root suckering.
Introduced	Native to China, introduced to U.S. in late 1700s. First documented in Oregon in 1904.
Look Alikes	Sumac, Black Walnut, Ash
Impact	Creates clonal colonies with dense root systems with root suckers that can emerge up to 50 feet way from the parent tree. It thrives in disturbed sites, is difficult to control, and produces chemicals that prevent the establishment of other plants.
More Info	https://4countycwma.org/aweeds/best-management-practices/tree-of-heaven/