Ailanthus

Ailunthus seed clusters help the tree spread rapidly. Ailanthus, or tree of heaven, in an invasive tree in Maryland and the U.S. because of its rapid spread and ability to crowd out more beneficial trees and plants.

 Courtesy photo

First brought to the US in 1784 for garden and street plantings, the Ailanthus altissima is sometimes referred to as the “Tree of Heaven,” due to its use in Chinese medicine. However, its Chinese name, chouchun, translates as ‘foul smelling tree.’

Ailanthus was soon discovered to spread rampantly through suckering, the sending up of shoots from the root system, and by its prolific seed production. This tree thrives in the temperate climate of our area, growing 3 to 6 feet in height per year to outcompete native tree species for sun, water and nutrients, while also suppressing competition with its allelopathic chemical, ailanthone.

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