Ailanthus altissima

Family
Simaroubaceae
Life form

M

[makro-]phanerophyte
Other names
Tree of heaven
Drüsiger Götterbaum
Hemelboom
Veliki pajesen
 
Classified as invasive in
Austria
Germany
Slovenia
The Netherlands
Origin
Asia

Ailanthus altissima is a fast-growing, light demanding and thermophilic pioneer tree native to China and North Vietnam. The species can displace native vegetation due to its rapid growth and root suckering and the formation of monospecific stands. It has been widely used as an ornamental and shade tree. Ailanthus altissima is abundant in the warmest parts particularly in urban areas. The species preferentially colonizes transportation corridors (road verges, medians of motorways).

Sources
  • Kowarik I., Säumel I. (2007): Biological flora of Central Europe: Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle. Perspectives in Plant Ecology, Evolution and Systematics 8, 207–237

48.652502,16.127586