Alianthus altissima - tree-of-heaven

Family: Simaroubaceae

Range: widely naturalized in the Eastern U.S.

Habitat: Ability to flourish on poor hard packed soils of waste places, road sides, and

is even able to sprout in places where little soil is available; around buildings and in larger cracks of pavement.

Origin: Not native to the United States; native to China.

Lifespan: Averages from 30 to 50 years.

Size: maximum height typically 80 ft., 15 to 30 ft. wide.

Reproduction: Dioecious; has the ability to reproduce sexually via clusters of long

twisted samaras and asexually by vegetative means from established roots.

Common Uses: Tolerance of poor soils and low soil moisture make it a good candidate

for city plantings in arid climates as well as plantings on strip mine reclamation sites. Additionally, this species is being studied as a possible source for a

natural herbicide.

Interesting Facts: This tree is a prolific seed producer that grows rapidly and often

overcomes native vegetation. It will produce toxins that prevent the establishment of other plant species. This species is considered invasive and in many

areas of the U.S. efforts are being made to stop its regeneration.

Fact Sheet for this species at Virginia Tech's dendrology website

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