Tree of heaven has invasive traits that enable it to spread aggressively. This tree is under observation and may be listed on official invasive species lists in the near future. Review of risks should be undertaken before selecting this tree for planting sites. Tree of heaven is an aggressive grower and produces a lot of suckers. It is generally not recommended for landscapes.
All Common Names:
Tree or Plant Type:
- Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
- Large tree (more than 40 feet)
- Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily),
- Partial sun/shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
- Zone 4,
- Zone 5 (Chicago),
- Zone 6,
- Zone 7,
- Zone 8
- Moist, well-drained soil
- Dry sites,
- Occasional drought,
- Wet sites,
- Occasional flooding,
- Alkaline soil,
- Clay soil,
- Road salt
- Excessive sucker growth
- Persistent fruit/seeds
Season of Interest:
- Late summer
Flower Color & Fragrance:
Shape or Form:
- Insect pollinators
Tree & Plant Care
This tree tends to produce suckers and pruning will be needed to keep suckering in check.
Disease, pests, and problems
Verticillium wilt, various leaf spots and cankers are potential problems.
Disease, pest, and problem resistance
Tolerant of black walnut toxicity.
Native geographic location and habitat
Native to China.
Bark color and texture
The gray bark is relatively smooth, but marked with long, thin, lighter colored streaks.
Leaf or needle arrangement, size, shape, and texture
Alternate, compound leaves up to 2 feet long with up to 25 leaflets per leaf. Leaflets are ovate with 2 to 4 prominent teeth at the base.
Flower arrangement, shape, and size
Male and female flowers generally on separate trees (dioecious). Male flowers produce a bad odor while female flowers produce no odor. Numerous tiny flowers in long clusters (usually longer than one foot), in late spring or early summer.
Fruit, cone, nut, and seed descriptions
On female tree only; large clusters of winged seeds (samaras), orange to red in summer, maturing to brown in autumn.