Tree of Heaven, Stinking Sumac, Chinese Sumac, Varnish Tree
Kingdom: Plantae > Division: Tracheophyta > Class: Magnoliopsida > Order: Sapindales > Family: Simaroubaceae > Genus: Ailanthus > Species: Ailanthus altissima · Simaroubaceae (Quassia family) · Pinnately compound (odd or even pinnate), deciduous
Species
Ailanthus altissima
Leaf Type
Pinnately compound (odd or even pinnate), deciduous
Family
Simaroubaceae (Quassia family)
Shape
Overall leaf is elongated pinnate; individual leaflets are lanceolate to ovate-lanceolate with distinctive basal glandular teeth.
Size
Large compound leaves usually 1 to 3 feet (30–90 cm) in length, containing 11 to 41 leaflets. Individual leaflets measure 2 to 6 inches (5–15 cm) long.
Margin
Entire along most of the leaflet edge, except near the base where 1 to 4 blunt teeth or lobes are present, each bearing a raised, dark glandular spot beneath.
Arrangement
Alternate on stems; leaflets arranged oppositely or sub-oppositely along the central rachis.
Rarity
Very Common; highly aggressive invasive weed species in urban and disturbed habitats worldwide.
Color & Pattern
Mature leaflets are medium-to-dark green above and paler light-green underneath. Emergent young leaves exhibit a reddish-bronze, purplish, or glossy yellowish-green tint.
Venation Pattern
Pinnate venation on leaflets with a distinct pale midrib and fine secondary branching veins.
Texture & Surface
Smooth (glabrous) to slightly puberulent surface; upper surface is glossy when young, becoming matte green; thin and slightly leathery.
Description
A rapidly growing deciduous tree capable of reaching 60–80 feet tall. Features large compound leaves that emit a pungent, unpleasant odor resembling rancid peanut butter when crushed. Bark is smooth, light gray, resembling cantaloupe rind as it matures. Produces large clusters of winged seeds (samaras) that turn reddish-orange in late summer.
Key Features
Large compound leaves; small glandular notch/tooth near the base of each leaflet; strong foul odor when crushed; smooth light-gray bark; lack of terminal bud with prominent U-shaped leaf scars.
Habitat
Extremely adaptable pioneer species thriving in disturbed urban soil, road edges, alleyways, sidewalk cracks, forest margins, and vacant lots.
Geographic Range
Native to northeast and central China and Taiwan. Extensively naturalized and highly invasive across North America, Europe, Australia, and South America.
Condition Notes
Healthy active growth; young emergent foliage showing healthy bronzy-green luster with minimal insect herbivory (a few minor chewing holes visible). Overall health grade: Excellent.
Interesting Facts
Produces allelopathic chemicals (ailanthone) that inhibit the growth of surrounding plants. It was featured prominently in the novel 'A Tree Grows in Brooklyn' due to its ability to thrive in harsh urban conditions.
Medicinal & Uses
Used traditionally in Traditional Chinese Medicine (known as chounao) to treat dysentery and asthma, though toxic in high amounts. Commercial value is limited due to weak wood and invasive tendencies.
Ecological Role
Invasive pest plant that displaces native flora, degrades ecosystems, and serves as a primary host plant for the destructive invasive insect, the Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula).
Similar Species
Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina - has fully serrated leaf margins, fuzzy stems, non-foul smell), Black Walnut (Juglans nigra - serrated leaflet margins, distinct walnut odor, large chambered pith), Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra).
Foraging Tips
Identification is confirmed by crushing a leaf and checking for a pungent peanut-butter/skunk-like odor and inspecting the leaflet bases for the characteristic dark glandular glands.
Toxicity Warning
Moderately Toxic. Leaves, sap, and bark contain irritants that can cause contact dermatitis, skin rashes, and cardiac inflammation or nausea if ingested or heavily absorbed through broken skin.