Tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima)

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Tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima)

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.

Tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima)

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.

Tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima) 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.
Tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima) Bark detail. Ailanthus is most common in urban and disturbed areas, though it can also be found occasionally in undisturbed forest.

Similar species:
Juglans nigra (Black Walnut)
Toxicodendron vernix (Poison Sumac)

More information:
NC State Fact Sheet
Plant Conservation Alliance Fact Sheet
Silvics Manual
The Nature Conservancy fact sheets
Trees of Alabama and the Southeast
Virginia Tech Dendrology
USDA PLANTS

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Revised 10/18/05 cwcook@duke.edu

All photographs and text ©2005 by Will Cook unless otherwise indicated