Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima): how to spot it and why people care
Spotting a tree of heaven is usually easy once you know what to look for. The tree has long, pinnate leaves made of many leaflets, smooth gray bark, and clusters of winged seeds (samaras) that hang like messy bunches. Crush a leaflet and you’ll notice a strong, unpleasant smell. It grows fast, tolerates poor soil and pollution, and shows up along roads, fences and vacant lots.
People notice it fast because it spreads aggressively. One big problem is root suckers: even if you cut the trunk, new shoots often pop up from the roots. The tree also produces tons of wind-carried seeds, so a single mature specimen can colonize nearby ground quickly. It outcompetes native plants by shading them and by releasing compounds into the soil that slow other plants’ growth.
Why it matters for gardens and cities
Tree of heaven is more than an eyesore. It can damage sidewalks and foundations when roots spread in tight urban spaces. Because it tolerates poor conditions, it often takes over disturbed land and reduces habitat diversity. On the flip side, some birds eat the seeds and seedlings can stabilize bare soil for a while, but those benefits rarely outweigh the problems where native plants are displaced.
Control tips that actually work
If you want to remove it, plan for persistence. Pulling seedlings by hand helps when plants are small. For established trees, cutting alone usually fails—new shoots will return. The more reliable approach combines cutting with treating the stump or regrowth: paint a targeted herbicide on the fresh cut or apply a systemic product to new leaves. Repeated mowing or cutting every few weeks can exhaust small stands over a season. For large infestations or public land, check with local extension services for recommended herbicides and follow safety rules. Never burn seed clusters or leave them where wind can spread them.
For home projects, wear gloves and eye protection, and bag seed clusters before disposal. If the tree sits near native plants you want to save, remove seedlings early and use targeted methods to avoid harming neighbors.
What about medicine? This species has been used in traditional remedies in parts of Asia, and scientists have isolated compounds like ailanthone and other quassinoids. Lab studies have tested these molecules for antibacterial, antiparasitic and anti-cancer activity, but that’s early-stage research—don’t assume the tree is a safe home remedy. If you’re curious about herbal uses or safety, read verified sources or ask a healthcare pro.
Want more? On this tag page you’ll find posts and resources that touch related topics—from herbal supplements to plant-based compounds under study. Browse the list to find practical articles on identification, control, and how certain plant chemicals are being researched for health uses.
