Tree of Heaven, a noxious, invasive plant

Tree of Heaven is a prolific seed producer. It grows rapidly, forms dense thickets, and can overrun native vegetation. It colonizes by root sprouts and spreads by prolific wind- and water-dispersed seeds. Once established, it can quickly take over a site and form an impenetrable thicket. They also produce toxins that prevent the establishment of other plant species.

Ailanthus seeds

This photo of ailanthus seed clusters was taken in Manton in late September. Colonies of these invasive trees have spread througout the area near waterways, where their seeds find moving water to be a handy vector to spread their seeds along riparian corridors downstream.

Ailanthus seeds

Spreading by sucker roots as well as by seed, Tree of Heaven can choke riparian corridors and replace native species that wildlife depend upon for food and shelter.

TNC's Abstract for Ailanthus altissima provides detailed information on a wide variety of biological, mechanical and chemical management.

Ailanthus Fact Sheet provides methods of biological, mechanical and chemical management of this noxious, invasive plant.