Ailanthus altissima — Tree of Heaven

A frequent mid-18th century introduction from China, now naturalized and sometimes highly invasive.

A tall, open tree, with large alternate pinnate leaves, the leaflets only toothed near the base. The bark has characteristic vertical white lines, rather like a snake-bark maple. Buds are small and dome-shaped, above the large pale leaf scars. Large clusters of ash-like keys are produced in summer, which ripen red.

For similar trees see: Alternate pinnate leaves

 
 

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Copyright © 2007 Philip Brassett