Tree Of Heaven
Ailanthus altissima
- Native to:
- China, Taiwan
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Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Simaroubaceae
- Genus:
- Ailanthus
- Species:
- Ailanthus altissima
- USDA Symbol:
- AIAL
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- 2500 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- greenish-yellow
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Ailanthus silkmoth (Samia cynthia), Atteva punctella, Cecropia moth (Hyalophora cecropia), Fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea), Lebeau's silk moth (Rothschildia lebeau), Rothschildia jorulla, Walker’s Atlas Moth (Samia walkeri), White-marked Tussock Moth (Orgyia leucostigma)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Moths:Atteva aurea
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fall Color:
- yellow
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts vigorously from roots after fire; fire can increase germination of seeds in soil.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- poor, rocky, well-drained soil
- pH:
- 5.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to alkaline)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to disturbed areas, tolerates urban conditions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–28 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily after cold stratification; can also germinate without stratification but rates improve with cold treatment.