Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima)
Tracheophyte: Angiosperm: Dicot: Simaroubaceae
Non-native from Eurasia
Habitat: upland moist soil.
ID Features: pinnate leaves with peculiar notches at the bases of leaflets, smooth bark.
Natural History: The Tree of Heaven is native to China and Taiwan. It is very adaptable and has become an invasive species in Europe, Australia, and North America. It is intolerant of water logged soil but will grow in nearly any other type of soil. Its leaves, compound and alternate, resemble walnut in appearance but its wood has few uses because of its tendency to split. It is a short-lived fast-growing tree, usually living up to 50 years. The bark of this tree is used for herbal medicine and its wood is used for cabinets and scrap wood.
Trees of Missouri by Carl Settergren and Re. E. McDermott, University of Missouri-Columbia Agricultural Experiment Station, ©1979.