 Tree of Heaven
- Simaroubaceae: Ailanthus
altissima
- CDFA rating pending;
CalEPPC B rated
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- Tree of Heaven is a
vigorous root sprouter. People who plant this tree as an ornamental
probably come to regret it. Ailanthus can create impenetrable
thickets, thus displacing native vegetation, especially in riparian
areas. Ailanthus is highly competitive as it produces allelopathic
chemicals that prevent other plants from growing, can grow under
low light conditions and withstand extreme soil conditions.
-
- In Santa Barbara County,
a serious infestation can be seen in the Alamo Pintado Creek
where it crosses under Highway 154 near Los Olivos. An incipient
patch can also be seen in Mission
Creek at Valerio Street in Santa Barbara. A small roadside
patch can also be seen at the Avenue of the Flags off ramp on
Highway 101 near Buellton.
-
- Ailanthus has large
pinnate compound leaves. The leaflets have 2 - 4 rounded teeth
near the base, most with a round gland on the lower surface.
The crushed foliage has an unpleasant odor.
-
- Manual removal or physical
control - cutting, digging out, girdling, or burning - without
the application of herbicides, is listed as a control technique.
However, these techniques may promote prolific resprouting, from
roots and root pieces left behind. New sprouts and seedlings
should be removed and the area monitored for a year after the
last sprout removal.
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- The herbicides, glyphosate,
imazapyr and tryclopyr have been used against tree of heaven
by foliar, frill, and cut stump treatment.
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- For more information,
on the web, visit: http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/datastore/detailreport.cfm?usernumber=3&surveynumber=182
-
- References:
- Bossard, Carla C. ed.,
et al. Invasive Plants of California's Wildlands. 2000. University
of California Press
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