Ailanthus altissima

RHS Plant Profile

tree of heaven

Other common names

false varnish tree, Japan varnish tree, tree of the gods

Synonyms

Ailanthus glandulosa
Ailanthus giraldii

Trees

This plant is listed as an invasive non-native species in the UK – see Cultivation section for details. A fast-growing deciduous tree that can form dense thickets by suckering. It has large pinnate green leaves that are tinged red in spring. Small, pale green flower clusters are followed by winged seeds on female trees

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Higher than 12 metres

Max Spread

wider than 8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 20–50 years
Max Spread: wider than 8 metres
Max Height: Higher than 12 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand

Moisture: Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade

Aspect: South–facing or West–facing or East–facing or North–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H6

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Simaroubaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Deciduous
Habit: Suckering
Potentially harmful: Skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs): Skin irritant - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
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 on the GB Non-Native Species Secretariat list of Species of Special Concern and the EU list of Invasive Alien Species of Union Concern (applies in NI). It should not be planted or caused to grow in the wild in in the UK. It is also banned from sale, and gardeners who already have it should take steps to control it. See RHS advice on invasive non-native species for further information

Propagation

See cultivation notes

Pests

See cultivation notes

Diseases

See cultivation notes