Fauna
Plant

Tree-of-heaven

Ailanthus altissima

Also known as Ailanthus Tree, Stinking Sumac, Chinese Sumac, Copal Tree

Tree-of-heaven sprouts rapidly in disturbed soil, urban gaps, and forest edges, quickly outcompeting native flora with dense foliage and toxic root secretions. Its large compound leaves emit a strong, unpleasant scent resembling rancid peanut butter when crushed, making it easy to distinguish from native look-alikes. In late summer, female trees produce clusters of papery winged seeds that turn brilliant shades of red and orange before scattering on the wind.

InvasiveFast-GrowingDeciduous
Tree-of-heaven reference1 / 7
(c) Nicola van Berkel, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Nicola van Berkel · cc-by-sa
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyPhotosynthetic
Predators
  • Spotted Lanternfly
  • Ailanthus Webworm Moth
  • Verticillium Wilt Fungus
ThreatsHerbicides, mechanical removal, biological control research
HabitatsDisturbed urban areas, roadsides, forest edges, riverbanks
Life span30–70 years
Classification
  1. OrderSapindales
  2. FamilySimaroubaceae
  3. GenusAilanthus
  4. SpeciesAilanthus altissima
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Plant sap can cause skin irritation; wear gloves and protective clothing when cutting branches.
Why it is dangerous
Sap contains plant toxins that can cause severe contact dermatitis and irritation to sensitive skin.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognized by its large compound leaves with small, gland-tipped lobes near the leaflet bases and a sharp, foul odor.
What to do
Wear protective gloves, long sleeves, and eye protection when clearing branches, and wash skin promptly if sap contacts it.
Responsible observation
  • Identification: Look for smooth grey bark resembling cantaloupe skin and glandular teeth at the base of leaflets.
  • Invasive Control: Avoid cutting down mature trees without applying systemic herbicides, as stumps vigorously sprout roots.
  • Pest Monitoring: Inspect trunks during summer, as this tree is the primary host for the invasive spotted lanternfly.
Related species
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