The Tree of Heaven
The Tree of Heaven or Ailanthus altissima was first introduced to the U.K, in 1751 (from China). It has been grown in gardens, parks and civic settings for many years being valued for its rapid growth, attractive foliage and colourful, winged fruits. It is a dioecious plant, that is, an individual plant either produces male or female flowers. In order to guarantee a good display of the fruits, you should ensure plants of both sexes are planted. It flowers and fruits well in hot summers.
However, some botanists are now concerned that with the change in our climate in recent times, the Ailanthus could become an invasive species. An example of an invasive species is Rhododendron ponticum – an ornamental flowering shrub. This shades out native species and causes problems in areas such as the Snowdonia National Park and the west coast of Scotland.The Plant Health Officer at Kew (Sara Redstone) has warned gardeners to be vigilant, removing self sown seedlings of Ailanthus before they become established. Problems with Ailanthus have already been reported in Hungary.
Ailanthus makes use of allelopathy. That is, it produces and releases into the ground chemicals that inhibit the germination and growth of other species. Ailanthus is tolerant of pollution, soil disturbance and is ‘at home’ in an urban environment. It may respond to cutting back by producing underground suckers that can damage pavements, drainage etc. The European Plant Protection Organisation has included Ailanthus in a list of plants that are a threat to plant health, environment and biodiversity in the EPPO region.
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4 comments so far
stephen hayes
15 June, 2008
how do i stop the suckers from sprouting up all over my garden. i unknowingly cut it back last year, does this mean that you can never cut it back? (tree of heaven)
catherine
16 June, 2008
Dig or pull up suckers as they appear and as much root as you can. You’ll have to persevere though - it’ll keep on putting up suckers as long as there’s a root system left. For grown trees, herbicides seem to be the only successful way to get rid of them.
Cyndy
29 June, 2008
Tree of heaven
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I have noticed that this tree seems to have several small flies that seem to hover around the trunk. Is there a smell to it because I have not noticed one myself.If so, do you reccommend anything to treat it.
Seher
20 September, 2008
thank-you very much. this has really helped me with my home-work