Other common names:
Chinese Sumac, Tree of Heaven Other scientific names: Ailanthus glandulosus, Ailanthus peregrina, Toxicodendron altissimum French names:
Ailante glanduleux Family: Quassia Family (Simaroubaceae) Distinctive features: Tree;Large compound leaves with strong unpleaseant smell when crushed. Similar species: •
Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina) - leaves don't smell. Stems fuzzy. •
Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra) - leaves smaller; resembles Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina). • Poison Sumac (Toxicodendron vernix) - grows in wet areas. Flowers: Summer Leaves: Alternate; Compound/Divided; Entire; Large. Strong unpleasant smell when crushed. Habitat:
Along edges of city lots; by the sides of buildings Books: Trees in Canada: 232 Native/Non-native:
Non-Native Status:
Common in cities
Notes:
Ailanthus can easily be mistaken for Sumac if one is not familiar with these trees. Also known as Tree Of Heaven, it is a native of Asia. Origin and Meaning of Names:
Scientific Name: altissima: tall See Also: • Ailanthus: Tree of Heaven and Brooklyn, from The Monday Garden, by Sue Sweeney • Ailanthus & Staghorn Sumac, from The Monday Garden, by Sue Sweeney Photographs:
34 photographs available, of which 11 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS.
These trees seem to like to grow in urban areas, at the edges of parking lots and along buildings.
It has a very long compound leaf, with many leaflets. When bruised the leaflets give off a disagreeable odour.
The leaves can be very long.
A closeup picture showing that the leaflets are not quite opposite to each other.
Upperside of a leaf.
Underside of the same leaf.
This shows how the compound leaves are attached to the stem. This very closely resembles Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina).
A young tree.
A young tree, unfurling new leaves.
Bark and trunk.
The fruits. They are winged seeds.
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