Carolina Nature

Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of North Carolina

Tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima)

Plantae>Magnoliophyta>Magnoliopsida>Sapindales>Simaroubaceae>Ailanthus altissima (P. Mill.) Swingle

Tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima)

The huge, tropical-looking compound leaves smell a bit like rotting peanut butter. They're vaguely similar in shape to those of walnut or sumac, but once you smell them, you won't mistake them.

Tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima)
Tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima)

Durham Co., NC 6/27/09.

Tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima)

Durham Co., NC 6/27/09.

Tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima)

The samaras (winged fruits), produced in summer, turn yellow to rosy as they ripen. The leaves of mature trees, like this one, don't stink.

Durham, NC 8/2/2003.

Tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima)

Chatham Co., NC 6/28/09.

Tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima)

Chatham Co., NC 6/28/09.

Tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima)

Chatham Co., NC 6/28/09.

Tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima)

Bark detail.

Ailanthus is most common in urban and disturbed areas, though it can also be found occasionally in undisturbed forest.

Durham, NC 8/2/2003.

Similar species:
Juglans nigra (Black Walnut)
Toxicodendron vernix (Poison Sumac)

More information:
Invasive.org
NC State Fact Sheet
Plant Conservation Alliance Fact Sheet
Silvics Manual
Trees of Alabama and the Southeast
Virginia Tech Dendrology
USDA PLANTS

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