Ailanthus altissima aka Tree Of Heaven

Taxonomy

Genus Ailanthus Family Simaroubaceae Order Sapindales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Ailanthus altissima, also known as tree of heaven, ailanthus, or varnish tree, is a deciduous tree with smooth, light grey bark, and large panicles of yellow-greenish flowers followed by winged fruit. It is native to northeast and central China, and Taiwan, but has become a noxious weed and vigorous invasive species in many parts of the world, including 30 states across the continental U.S. and Hawaii. The tree grows rapidly and can reach heights of 15 meters in just 25 years. It is capable of cloning itself indefinitely through its suckering ability, and while it rarely lives more than 50 years, some specimens exceed 100 years of age. The invasiveness of the species has been compounded by its harboring of the also destructive and invasive spotted lanternfly. The compound leaves of the Tree of Heaven are the best way to identify it, as they have a glandular, notched base on each leaflet. While other members of the genus Ailanthus are found in tropical climates, A. altissima is found in temperate climates. Both male and female flowers are required to produce fruit.

Common names

Tree Of Heaven, Ailanthus, Varnish Tree, Chouchun, Tree Of Hell

How to care for Tree Of Heaven

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Tree Of Heaven is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Tree Of Heaven should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Tree Of Heaven loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Tree Of Heaven prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Tree Of Heaven plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the Tree Of Heaven as it grows vertically.

Region of origin

Tree Of Heaven’s native range is E. Asia - China. Naturalized in Britain[17].

More info:
Wikipedia

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