TREE-OF-HEAVEN
Ailanthus altissima
QUASSIA FAMILY (Simaroubaceae)
Description
This medium-sized, invasive tree spreads rapidly, mainly by root suckers. Its straight trunk has shallow ridges (C). The large leaves have up to 41 lance-shaped leaflets opposite on the stem (A,I). Cut trees produce numerous root suckers with prominent leaf scars (D). They grow rapidly. Male and female flowers are found on separate trees. The small, greenish male flowers grow in upright clusters (G). The winged fruit (samaras) form massive clusters, first green or pinkish, later light brown (A,B,H,I).
Occurrence
Grows on floodplains and ravines, flowering in May and June. In Fontenelle Forest, uncommon on waste ground, especially along the railroad tracks. At Neale Woods, uncommon in Hilltop brome field.
Comments
This species is considered a threat to our native species; it is controlled by cutting and treating the stumps.
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is: Roland Barth.
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