Key Facts
- Fast growing deciduous tree with pinnate leaves.
- Produces many winged samaras that disperse by wind.
- Spreads by seed and vigorous root sprouts.
- Tolerant of poor, compacted and urban soils.
- Often described as invasive outside its native range.
- Flowers are in yellowish clusters and can be foul smelling.
- Can resprout from stumps and roots after cutting.
- Has allelopathic tendencies that may inhibit nearby plants.
Tree of Heaven is a fast growing deciduous tree valued for its tolerance of poor and compacted urban soils but widely regarded as invasive outside its native range. It spreads by abundant wind borne seeds and vigorous root sprouts so use with caution in landscapes.
Identification
Leaves are pinnate with many leaflets and the tree produces clusters of yellowish flowers that can have an unpleasant odor. Mature trees commonly reach 30 to 50 feet tall with a typical spread of about 20 to 35 feet. Seed production is high and appears as many winged samaras that disperse on the wind.
Where to grow and common uses
Best in full sun to light shade and tolerant of a wide range of soils including compacted and alkaline urban sites. It can be used where rapid screening or quick shade is needed in difficult soil, but its aggressive seeding and root suckering make it unsuitable for natural or mixed planting beds where native plants are desired.
Hardiness and bloom
Reported hardy from USDA zones 4 to 9 which means cold zones may reduce top growth while roots and suckers can persist. Flowers appear from late spring into summer often between May and July in the northern hemisphere and may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive people.
Planting and spacing
Allow at least 20 to 35 feet between trees to accommodate mature spread and potential clonal thickets from root suckers. Avoid planting near sensitive natural areas or where volunteer seedlings would be difficult to manage.
Soil and water
Prefers well drained sites but tolerates poor and compacted soils. In heavy poorly drained ground the tree may be stunted and more prone to root disease. Its tolerance of harsh urban soils accounts for its frequent establishment along roadsides and in disturbed sites.
After flowering and maintenance
Seed set is prolific so removing seed clusters before they mature will reduce local spread but will not prevent new shoots from roots. Cutting or topping often triggers vigorous resprouting from stumps and roots so follow up removal or professional treatment is usually needed for long term control.
Controlling spread and removal
Control is challenging because the tree spreads by seed and by root sprouts and can resprout after cutting. Mechanical removal often requires repeated follow up to exhaust root reserves. Many extension services recommend combining cutting with approved stump treatments or systematic follow up of new suckers. Check local extension guidance for region specific eradication advice and herbicide recommendations.
Frequently asked questions
- How fast does Tree of Heaven grow?
- It is a fast growing tree and commonly reaches 30 to 50 feet tall when established.
- Is Tree of Heaven invasive?
- Yes it is often described as invasive outside its native range due to abundant wind dispersed seed and vigorous root suckering.
- Can it resprout after cutting?
- Yes it commonly resprouts from stumps and roots after cutting so repeated control is usually necessary.
- Are the flowers or sap a health concern?
- Flowers can have an unpleasant odor and contact with sap has been reported to cause skin irritation and respiratory allergy in some people. Verify pet and poisoning guidance with local poison control.
- Will it grow in poor urban soils?
- Yes it tolerates a wide range of soils including compacted, alkaline and poor soils which is why it often appears in disturbed urban areas.
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