Tree of Heaven
Ailanthus altissima
A rapid-growing deciduous tree featuring large alternate pinnately compound leaves with numerous leaflets, smooth stems, and small greenish flowers clustered at branch tips.
- Light
- Full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth.
- Water
- Low watering needs once established. Water young trees during prolonged dry spells, ensuring soil dries out between waterings to prevent root issues.
- Growth
- Perennial deciduous tree with a fast growth rate, typically reaching mature heights of 50 to 80 feet with an open, spreading crown.
Care instructions
Requires minimal care due to high adaptability. Thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. Highly drought-tolerant once established and tolerates poor soil conditions and urban pollution easily.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth.
Watering
Low watering needs once established. Water young trees during prolonged dry spells, ensuring soil dries out between waterings to prevent root issues.
Soil
Highly adaptable to various soil types including sandy, loamy, or clay soils. Prefers well-draining conditions and tolerates a wide pH range.
Hardiness zone
USDA zones 4 through 8, demonstrating strong resilience to both cold winters and hot summers.
Growth habit
Perennial deciduous tree with a fast growth rate, typically reaching mature heights of 50 to 80 feet with an open, spreading crown.
Bloom season
Blooms in late spring to early summer with clusters of small, yellowish-green flowers.
Propagation
Propagates easily through wind-dispersed seeds, root suckers, and stump sprouts.
Common pests & issues
Generally resistant to most major insect pests and plant diseases, though vulnerable to Verticillium wilt in certain conditions.
Similar species
Can be confused with native sumacs (Rhus species), walnuts (Juglans species), or ashes (Fraxinus species). Distinguished by the distinct glands at the base of each leaflet on the Tree of Heaven.