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Ailanthus altissima (Tree of heaven)
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1 hour care
per year
per year
15m
Max height
Max height
12m
Max spread
Max spread
20-50 years
To maturity
To maturity
Low
Toxicity
Toxicity
Plant details
Botanical name
Ailanthus altissima
Other names
Tree of heaven, Tree of the gods, False varnish tree, Japan varnish tree
Genus
Ailanthus Ailanthus
Species
A. altissima - A. altissima is a vigorous deciduous tree with smooth, light grey bark, attractive foliage and large panicles of yellow-greenish flowers followed by winged fruit. The individual trees usually produce either male or female flowers, and both sexes are required to produce fruit.
Ailanthus altissima is: Deciduous
Tree shape
Spreading
Toxicity
Ingestion may cause severe discomfort.
Flower
Green in Summer
Foliage
Reddish-brown in Spring; Green in Summer; Dark-red in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest free
Diseases
Generally disease-free.
General care
Propagation methods
Seed
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Where to grow
Ailanthus altissima (Tree of heaven) will reach a height of 15m and a spread of 12m after 20-50 years.
Suggested uses
Low Maintenance, Architectural
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained or well-drained soil.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
Botanical name
Ailanthus altissima
Other names
Tree of heaven, Tree of the gods, False varnish tree, Japan varnish tree
Genus
Ailanthus Ailanthus
Species
A. altissima - A. altissima is a vigorous deciduous tree with smooth, light grey bark, attractive foliage and large panicles of yellow-greenish flowers followed by winged fruit. The individual trees usually produce either male or female flowers, and both sexes are required to produce fruit.
Foliage
Deciduous
Tree shape
Spreading
Toxicity
Ingestion may cause severe discomfort.
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Colour
Flower
Green in Summer
Foliage
Reddish-brown in Spring; Green in Summer; Dark-red in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest free
Diseases
Generally disease-free.
General care
Propagation methods
Seed
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Ailanthus altissima (Tree of heaven) will reach a height of 15m and a spread of 12m after 20-50 years.
Suggested uses
Low Maintenance, Architectural
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained or well-drained soil.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | North, South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
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