Ailanthus Characteristics

Height: 50-80' (15-24m)
Diameter: 1-2' (0.3-0.6m)
Leaves: pinnately compound; 12-24" (30-61cm) long. 13-25 leaflets 3-5" (7.5-13cm) long, (2.5-5cm) wide; paired; broadly lance-shaped; with 2-5 teeth near broad 1-sided base and gland-dot beneath each tooth; covered with fine hairs when young. Green above, paler beneath.
Bark: light brown; smooth, becoming rough and fissured
Twigs: light brown, very stout; covered with fine hairs when young; with brown pith.
Flowers: 1/4" (6mm) long; with 5 yellowish-green petals; in terminal branched clusters 6-10" (15-25 cm) long; male and female usually on separate trees; in late spring and early summer.
Fruit: 11/2" (4cm) long; showy, reddish-green or reddish-brown, narrow, flat, winged, 1-seeded; 1-6 from a flower; maturing in late summer and autumn.

Habitat: It was first introduced into the United States from England to Philadelphia, PA, in 1784. It is native to China. Extensive plantings in cities
during the 1800's has resulted in its naturalization across the United States.
It is especially widespread in waste places, spreading rapidly by suckers.

Ailanthus has been established from urban areas to reclaimed surface-mined lands. Its ability to sprout from the roots and to seed prolifically, along with its strong allelopathic effects against competition, helps successful reproduction in harsh environments. It is used for erosion control, shade, and shelter where few other trees will thrive. Male flowers have an objectionable odor and the honey has been reported as having an intital foul taste that disappears with aging, resulting in an exceptionally good tasting honey.


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