More appropriately called the tree-from-hell, this common weedy tree is a seriously invasive species from China, most often found in disturbed areas and along roadsides.

Emerging leaves.

Durham Co., NC 4/11/09.

The huge, tropical-looking compound leaves smell a bit like rotting peanut butter. They're vaguely similar in shape to those of walnut or sumac, but once you smell them, you won't mistake them.

The samaras (winged fruits), produced in summer, turn yellow to rosy as they ripen. The leaves of mature trees, like this one, don't stink. Durham Co., NC 8/2/03.

Bark detail. Ailanthus is most common in urban and disturbed areas, though it can also be found occasionally in undisturbed forest.