Ailanthus altissima
tree of heaven
This plant is listed on Schedule 9 of The Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order (1985), as amended, as an invasive non-native species and is banned from sale. See cultivation notes for further details A spreading tree, often suckering, with large pinnate leaves which are reddish in spring, and small green flower clusters followed on female trees by red, winged fruits
Synonyms
Ailanthus glandulosaAilanthus giraldii
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Bronze | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Red | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Simaroubaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Suckering
- Genus
Ailanthus are fast-growing deciduous trees, grown mainly for their striking, large, pinnate leaves
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- SW China
How to grow
Cultivation
This plant is listed on Schedule 9 of the UK Wildlife & Countryside Act as an invasive non-native species. Across the EU, UK and NI it is an offence to plant or cause to grow in the wild plants listed on Schedule 9 of this order. These plants should not be planted or caused to grow in the wild and in addition are banned from sale. Gardeners possessing them should undertake measures to control them. See RHS advice on invasive non-native species for further information
Propagation
Please see cultivation notes
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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