tree of heaven

Also known as: false varnish tree; Japan varnish tree; tree of the gods

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\r\n\r\nA 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

Scientific classification

Species: tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima)
Genus: Ailanthus
Family: Simaroubaceae

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Toxicity: Trees
Plant type: Higher than 12 metres
Height: wider than 8 metres
Spread: Deciduous
Foliage: Suckering
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn
Season of interest: Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: 15 – 25 °C
Ideal temperature

tree of heaven pictures

Distribution of tree of heaven

Distribution map

Plant distribution

Native
Introduced
Cultivated

Native8

Introduced112

Source：WCVP v16 · Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew · CC BY 3.0 · Boundaries：WGSRPD / TDWG

Culture

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Toxicity

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Quick identification of tree of heaven

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tree of heaven care guide

Water deeply during dry periods; established trees are very drought-tolerant.
Watering: Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: 15 – 25 °C
Ideal temperature

Watering

Water deeply during dry periods; established trees are very drought-tolerant.

Fertilizing

Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring if growth is poor; otherwise not needed.

Pruning

Little pruning is needed. Remove diseased, damaged, crowded or crossing shoots and unwanted growth. Timing depends on the plant: generally late winter or early spring; plants prone to bleeding and deciduous magnolias need different timing, and deciduous azaleas and lilacs are pruned after flowering.

Propagation

Please see cultivation notes

Growing

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

More growing and care information →