Tree of heaven
Ailanthus altissima
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Pl. 9AC8 — Ailanthus altissima
Ailanthus altissimaAilanthus altissimaAilanthus altissimaAilanthus altissimaAilanthus altissimaAilanthus altissimaAilanthus altissimaAilanthus altissimaAilanthus altissimaAilanthus altissimaAilanthus altissimaAilanthus altissimaAilanthus altissimaAilanthus altissima
IOverview
Overview
The Tree of heaven is a perennial plant native to various regions of China, including North-Central, South-Central, and Southeast China, as well as Inner Mongolia, Manchuria, Taiwan, Tibet, and Xinjiang. It is known to thrive in a range of conditions, from full sun to partial sun and shade, and can tolerate different levels of water and soil types. This plant is recognized for its edible leaves, which can be consumed. One of its distinctive features is its ability to grow quite tall, reaching heights of up to 25 meters. Its hardiness and adaptability make it a notable species, capable of surviving in diverse environments. Overall, the Tree of heaven is a notable plant species with unique characteristics and properties.
Quick answers
What is Tree of heaven?
The Tree of heaven is a perennial plant native to various regions of China, including North-Central, South-Central, and Southeast China, as well as Inner Mongolia, Manchuria, Taiwan, Tibet, and Xinjiang.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
The Tree of heaven is a perennial that thrives in full sun to partial sun and shade. It can tolerate a range of soil types, from light and sandy to medium, and can handle varying levels of moisture, from dry to wet. Hardy in zones 5-8, it can grow to be 25 meters tall. To propagate, gardeners can use its edible leaves, although the specific method is not provided. With its adaptability to different conditions, it can be a versatile addition to temperate gardens, where its hardiness and growing conditions can be met.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
5-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
25.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Tree of heaven for the first time
8steps
Start with a Tree of heaven by ensuring it has the right conditions and care, as it can grow quite large.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Tree of heaven sapling, well-draining soil, and a large container or planting space.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the ground is workable, or in early fall before the first frost.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining soil mix with some sand for better drainage. Ensure containers are at least 1 meter wide and deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young saplings from a nursery, ensuring the root ball is intact during handling.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid direct sunlight for the first few days.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun or partial shade, and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Prune in late winter to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune branches for shaping or removing dead wood as needed. Leaves can be harvested but are not commonly used.
- 8
Common mistakes
Planting too close to buildings, overwatering, and neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of this plant are edible. They can be eaten, although specific preparation methods are not provided. It is known that the leaves are a consumable part of the plant, but further details on how they are typically prepared, such as whether they are eaten raw, cooked, or dried, are not available.
Other uses:DyeHedgerowHerbicidePest controlSoil reclamationErosion controlTanninLumberFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
8 native · 22 introduced
Distribution
8 native · 22 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 8 native· 22 introduced
Europe8 regions
introduced (8)AlbaniaAustriaBelgiumBulgariaCyprusFrancePortugalSpain
Asia4 regions
native (2)ChinaTaiwan
introduced (2)AfghanistanIndia
Africa1 region
introduced (1)Algeria
Broader regions
introduced:Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Argentina Northeast, Chile Central, Cape Provinces, Arkansas, California, Arizona, Alabama, Czechoslovakia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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