Ailanthus altissima (tree, shrub)

Ecology Distribution Management Info Impact Info References and Links Contacts

Taxonomic name: Ailanthus altissima (P. Mill.) Swingle Synonyms: Common names: Chinese sumac (English), stinking shumac (English), tree-of-heaven (English-USA) Organism type: tree, shrub Ailanthus altissima is a very aggressive plant, a prolific seed producer (up to 350,000 seeds in a year), grows rapidly, and can overrun native vegetation. It also produces toxins that prevent the establishment of other plant species. The root system is aggressive enough to cause damage to sewers and foundations. Description Ailanthus altissima is a small to medium-sized tree of the mostly tropical Quassia family. It has a smooth, grey bark with compound leaves which are alternate, odd-pinnate, with 11-25 lanceolate leaflets. Most leaflets have one to three coarse teeth near their base. Mature trees can reach 24 metres or more in height. Flowers occur in panicles at the ends of branches and the male flowers produce a strong odour, described as the smell of burnt peanut butter. The leaves, when crushed, also produce a distinctive odour. Seeds are centred in a papery sheath called a samara. The samaras are slightly twisted or curled and twirl as they fall to the ground. The wood of Ailanthus altissima is soft, weak, coarse-grained, and creamy white to light brown in colour. Similar Species Carya illinoinensis, Juglans nigra, Rhus typhina More Occurs in: agricultural areas, natural forests, ruderal/disturbed, urban areas Habitat description Ailanthus altissima establishes itself readily on disturbed sites, such as railroad embankments, highway medians, fencerows, and roadsides. In naturally forested areas, A. altissima may become established in areas disturbed by storms or infestations. A. altissima has the ability to grow in poor soils and under stressful environmental conditions. It grows in full sun and thrives in poor growing conditions. Germination rates are high, provided soil has adequate moisture. It is well adapted to heavy clays and other soils with low nutrient and oxygen content. General impacts All over the United States, Ailanthus altissima has become a pest of agricultural, urban and forested areas. Seedlings and root suckers of A. altissima grow rapidly and spread prolifically and thus quickly out-compete many native species for sunlight and space. It also produces a toxin in its bark and leaves. As it accumulates in the soil, the toxin inhibits the growth of other plants. The root system is capable of damaging sewers and foundations. Uses The wood is often used in China for lumber, fuelwood and other products. In the U.S. it is occasionally used for low-grade lumber, pulpwood and fuelwood. The toxin produced in the bark and leaves of A. altissima is being studied as a possible source for a natural herbicide. It is used in traditional herbal medicine in China. Notes Male flowers are conspicuous and ill smelling, attracting many insects. Female flowers are less odorous and less conspicuous. Geographical range Native range: Native to a region extending from Northern China through parts of East Asia to Australia, Ailanthus altissima has been introduced to throughout the United States. It is now widely distributed across the United States, occurring in forty-two states, from Maine to Florida and west to California. Introduction pathways to new locations Natural dispersal: Spreads easily due to its rapid growth and prolific seed production Nursery trade: Was commonly available from nurseries by 1840 Local dispersal methods Escape from confinement: Escapes from cultivation because of rapid growth On animals (local): Samaras, (papery sheath in which the seeds are centered), can be borne on the wind great distances from the parent plant. Management information Preventative measures: A Risk assessment of Ailanthus altissima for Australia was prepared by Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER) using the Australian risk assessment system (Pheloung, 1995). The result is a score of 12 and a recommendation of: reject the plant for import (Australia) or species likely to be a pest (Pacific). Nutrition Ailanthus altissima is well adapted to heavy clays and other soils with few nutrients. Reproduction Ailanthus altissima reproduces both sexually (seeds) and asexually (vegetative sprouts). Flowering occurs late in the spring (June in the middle Atlantic region of eastern United States). The species is dioecious (trees have either male or female flowers). A single tree can produce around 325,000 to 350,000 seeds a year. Trees grow quickly, as stump sprouts grow up to 3cm per day. Lifecycle stages Established trees produce numerous suckers from the roots and sprout vigorously from cut stumps and root fragments. Seedlings establish a taproot three months after germination. A. altissima probably lives for no more than 100 years in North America (usually less) but the root system and its sprouts can persist for a longer time. Reviewed by: Phil Pannill, Maryland Dept. of Natural Resources - Forest Service. Compiled by: National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII) & IUCN/SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) To contribute information, please contact Shyama Pagad. Last Modified: Monday, 28 November 2005