Weed profile: Tree of heaven
Tree of heaven
Tree of heaven flower
Tree of heaven
Ailanthus altissima
Tree of heaven was introduced to Australia from eastern Asia by Chinese miners as an ornamental and shade plant. It is now generally regarded as a weed because of its suckering ability and the competition it provides to other desirable plants. It is well suited to both clay and sandy soils and is often found around old homesteads, gullies, rubbish tips and roadsides.
Tree of heaven is a deciduous tree or shrub that can grow up to 20 metres in height. Patches of the tree become denser by the growth of suckers from the shallow lateral roots.
Status
- Declared in NSW under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993 (view details)