Tree of Heaven
Family Quassia
Ailanthus altissima
Designation/Status
Arizona Noxious Weed List -
Not Listed
Federal Noxious Weed List – Not Listed
Origins
China
Plant Characteristics
Life Cycle: The tree occurs as male
and female, it can reproduce sexually (seeds) and asexually
(vegetative sprouts) seeds are produced by the female trees in
late summer to early fall. Can produce up to 350,000 seeds per
tree yearly. Seedlings establish a taproot three months from
germination. Established trees produce suckers from roots and
re-sprout from cut stumps and root fragments.
Visual Appearance: Deciduous, small to
medium size tree with smooth gray bark. Leaves are compound,
alternate, off pinnate. Flowers occur in panicles at the ends of
branches.
Habitat
Disturbed sites, highway medians, railroad embankments, fence
rows, roadsides, areas created by severe storms or insect
infestations.
Control Measures
Mechanical and Cultural:
If cut over many years it may stress the plant enough to kill and
targeting female trees will help reduce the seed bank.
Biological: None
Chemical: Glyphosate
applied 5-15 minutes after tree has been cut, this is best done
late in growing season. Foliar sprays are best applied when trees
are in full leaf.
Other Points of Interest
Brought over from China as an ornamental tree in 1784 by a
Philadelphia gardener. Crushed leaves smell like burnt peanut
butter. Produces a toxin in its bark and leaves which accumulates
in the soil which inhibits growth of other plants.
