Stats

Lifespan

Up to 50 yrs

Size

Large

Diet

Photosynthetic

Biome

Temperate broadleaf forest

Range

East Asia

Movement

Sessile

Breeding

Seeds

Defense

Toxins

Status

Common

About

A fast-growing invasive tree native to China that can shoot up 8 feet in a single season, pushing through pavement cracks and reclaiming vacant lots. Its large compound leaves and clusters of papery, winged seeds are distinctive, though crushed foliage releases a sharp, unpleasant odor.

Life cycle

1. 1.
   seed

   A dormant seed waits for water and warmth before germinating.
2. 2.
   sprout

   A first shoot emerges with cotyledon leaves and a tap root reaching down.
3. 3.
   sapling

   A young plant grows true leaves and a stem or trunk, putting on height each season.
4. 4.
   mature

   Fully grown, flowering or fruiting at adult size.

Learn more

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Taxonomy

Kingdom

Plantae

Phylum

Tracheophyta

Class

Magnoliopsida

Order

Sapindales

Family

Simaroubaceae

Genus

Ailanthus

Species

Ailanthus altissima