Tree+of+Heaven

=Tree of Heaven (//Ailanthus altissima// //)//=

__General Information__
 ailanthus, copal tree, tree-of-heaven (3)

DESCRIPTION: Has smooth stems with pale gray bark, and twigs which are light chestnut brown. Its large compound leaves, 1-4 feet in length, have 11-25 smaller leaflets and alternate along the stems.In late spring, clusters of small, yellow-green flowers appear near the tips of branches .  Mature trees can reach 80 feet or more in height . (1)

__Detailed Description (Life Cycle / Reproduction)__
Reproduces both sexually (seeds) and asexually (vegetative sprouts). A prolific seed producer, grows rapidly, and can overrun native vegetation. Once established, it can quickly take over a site and form an impenetrable thicket. Ailanthus trees also produces toxins that prevent the establishment of other plant species. The root system is aggressive enough to cause damage to sewers and foundations.  One study reports that an individual tree can produce as many as 325,000 seeds per year.  (1)

__Habitat and Distribution__
 A deciduous tree in the Simaroubaceae family. It is native to both Taiwan and northeast and central China. (2)

__Impacts__
RISKS/IMPACTS : Ailanthus has been used to re-vegetate areas where acid mine drainage has occurred and it has been shown to tolerate pH levels as low as 4.1 (approximately that of tomato juice). The drought-tolerance of the tree is strong due to its ability to effectively store water in its root system. It is frequently found in areas where few trees can survive. It can withstand very low phosphorus levels and high salinity levels. The roots are also aggressive enough to cause damage to subterranean sewers and pipes. Along highways it often forms dense thickets in which few other tree species are present, largely due to the toxins it produces to prevent competition. (2)

__History__
PATHWAYS/HISTORY : Originiated in Asia and was brought here by a Pennsylvanian farmer in 1748. Conditions where fine until the plant took over the field, it was then used often because of it's ability to grow anywhere. (3)

__Control Measures__
Herbicide is really the only way to get rid of it or control it. You can cut it down while logging and can apply some basal bark or foliar sprays, but herbicide seems to be the most effective. The most cost effective way of removal is also herbicide. It can be made from home to deal with little problems before they start screwing with your homes infrastructure.

__References__
1. "PCA Alien Plant Working Group - Tree-of-Heaven (Ailanthus altissima)". PCA. 11-20-2008 .

2. "Ailanthus altissima". Wikipedia. 11-20-2008 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ailanthus_altissima#Distribution_and_habitat>.

3. "tree of heaven: Ailanthus altissima (Sapindales: Simaroubaceae)". Invasive Species. 11-20-2008 <http://www.invasive.org/browse/subject.cfm?sub=3003>.

This is SudoWoodo, a cousin of the Tree of Heaven. ==