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Tree of heaven. Photo Credit: Richard Gardner, Bugwood.org -
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Tree of heaven flowers. Photo Credit: Jan Samanek, Phytosanitary Administration, Bugwood.org -
Tree of heaven leaves and seeds. Photo Credit: Chuck Bargeron, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org -
Tree of heaven seeds. Photo Credit: Annemarie Smith, ODNR Division of Forestry, Bugwood.org -
Tree of heaven seeds. Photo Credit: Chuck Bargeron, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org
Also known as: Tree-of-heaven, stinking quassia, copal-tree
Tree of heaven is not very heavenly, especially in urban landscapes. Its root system can push up pavement and sidewalks in its unquenched search for resources. It also produces a foul odor, reminiscent of rancid peanut butter.
Description:
| Life Cycle: | Perennial (life cycle lasts more than one year) |
| Early Detection and Rapid Response species: | Yes |
| Height: | Can grow up to 25 – 50 feet (7 – 15 meters) |
| Leaf Description: | The leaves are compoundA leaf consisting of several distinct leaflets joined to a single stem. and grow alternately along the stem. Each leaf is made up of many lance-shaped leaflets that grow opposite one another. Sometimes a leaf can have up to 40 leaflets. |
| Fruit & Flower Description: | Each tree has either male or female flowers. Each flower is small, light green to yellow and grow in clusters. Seeds are wrapped in a slightly twisted paper wing that allow it to be blown away from the tree. |
| Bloom Time: | May to June |
Habitat:
- Tree of heaven grows in many habitat types including forest edges, riparian areasAreas that are directly adjacent to flowing streams, creeks, or rivers., yards, urban parks, and roadsides.
- It is a hardy species that prefers sunny conditions and can grow in areas with poor soils.
Impact:
- Tree of heaven is a fast-growing tree that forms large thickets that can result in a monocultureGrowing a single crop or plant..
- It sprouts root suckers that can push up pavement and sidewalks, creating problems for homeowners and urban landscapes.
- It produces toxins that inhibit neighboring plants from growing.
- Tree of heaven is noted as being the preferred host for the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), a non-native insect that could damage agriculture crops such as grapes, apples, and pears if it were to establish here.
What you can do about it:
- If you think you’ve found tree of heaven, please make an observation on iNaturalist.
- It is very difficult to treat large trees of heaven, it’s best to consult a weed treatment professional when trying to treat this species.
- Weed wrenches can assist with removing smaller trees of heaven. If you are in Washington County, we lend these tools for free from our tool library.
- Make sure to wear gloves when removing tree of heaven, as it can leave your hands smelling bad even after a few good washes.
Look-alikes:
Young tree of heaven is often confused with the native red elderberry (Sambucus racemosa). Both species have similarly shaped leaflets, but red elderberry produces small clusters of bright red berries and only grows up to 12 feet (4 meters) tall.
Tree of heaven also looks like the invasive black walnut (Juglans nigra). While both species have grey-black bark and several leaflets, black walnut’s leaflets have serratedHaving a jagged edge. edges.
Noxious Weed Listing:
| State of Oregon: | Class B |
| State of Washington: | Class C |
More Resources:
- University of California, Weed Research and Information Center: Tree of Heaven