Tree of Heaven (also known as Stinking Sumac, Chinese Sumac, or Varnish Tree)
Kingdom: Plantae > Division: Tracheophyta > Class: Magnoliopsida > Order: Sapindales > Family: Simaroubaceae > Genus: Ailanthus > Species: Ailanthus altissima · Simaroubaceae (Quassia family) · Pinnately compound, deciduous
Species
Ailanthus altissima
Leaf Type
Pinnately compound, deciduous
Family
Simaroubaceae (Quassia family)
Shape
Overall compound leaf is lanceolate; individual leaflets are lanceolate to ovate-lanceolate with distinctive basal glandular teeth.
Size
Large compound leaves can reach 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) in length with 11-41 leaflets. Individual leaflets measure approximately 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) long.
Margin
Mostly entire (smooth edge), except for 1 to 4 small, distinctive, gland-tipped teeth or lobes near the base of each leaflet.
Arrangement
Leaves are arranged alternately on the stem; leaflets are opposite to sub-opposite along the central rachis.
Rarity
Very Common (Highly invasive and ubiquitous in urban and disturbed environments).
Color & Pattern
Bright green to deep forest green on mature leaves, with younger emergent growth showing a bronzy, reddish, or glossy yellowish-green tint. Pale underside.
Venation Pattern
Pinnate venation on individual leaflets with a prominent central midrib and reticulate secondary veins.
Texture & Surface
Smooth (glabrous) to slightly puberulent upper surface; slightly glossy when young becoming matte with age; slightly leathery feel.
Description
A rapid-growing deciduous tree that can reach up to 60-80 feet in height. Characterized by smooth, light gray bark resembling cantaloupe skin as it ages, and large compound leaves that emit a strong, unpleasant odor reminiscent of rancid peanut butter when crushed. It spreads aggressively via root suckers and abundant wind-blown seeds.
Key Features
1-4 glandular teeth near the base of each leaflet with raised glands on the underside; crushed foliage has a strong foul odor; thick reddish-brown twigs with large heart-shaped leaf scars.
Habitat
Disturbed urban areas, roadside margins, building foundations, forest edges, and vacant lots. Extremely adaptable to poor, polluted, or compacted soils.
Geographic Range
Native to northeast and central China and Taiwan. Widely naturalized and considered a severe invasive species in North America, Europe, Australia, and South America.
Condition Notes
Healthy active growth visible; emergent leaves display typical bronzy gloss; minimal insect chewing damage visible near edge, overall health grade is Excellent.
Interesting Facts
It is the primary host plant for the destructive invasive insect, the Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula). It secretes an allelopathic chemical called ailanthone into the soil, which inhibits the growth of surrounding plants.
Medicinal & Uses
Used traditionally in Chinese medicine (Bark of Root/Chun Bai Pi) for astringent and antimicrobial properties, though hazardous due to toxicity. Currently valued mainly for urban erosion control, though heavily controlled as a noxious weed.
Ecological Role
Invasive disruptor that forms dense monocultures, suppresses native flora via chemical inhibition, and harbors invasive insect pests like the Spotted Lanternfly.
Similar Species
Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina) - has serrated margins along entire leaflet; Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) - serrated leaflets and distinct walnut smell; Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra) - fully serrated margins and non-glandular leaflets.
Foraging Tips
Crush a leaf and smell it—if it smells strongly like foul or burnt peanut butter, it is Tree of Heaven. Look for the small thumb-like teeth with tiny circular glands on the underside base of the leaflet.
Toxicity Warning
Moderately Toxic. Plant sap and leaves contain quassinoids and sapoxins that can cause contact dermatitis, skin irritation, and potentially inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis) or systemic illness upon ingestion or sap contact with broken skin.