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Tree-of-heaven

Ailanthus altissima

Found in roadsides, forests, disturbed areas, including cities, especially in moist, fertile soils. Weakley, Flora of the Southeastern United States (2025), South Central edition What its natural habitat tells you

-95
Severe harm

Not native to Mississippi. How scores work Is it native here?

Profile 82%

Height
40–60 feet
Spread
15–30 feet
Light
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil moisture
Dry to average
See native alternatives

Do not plant. Listed invasive in Mississippi.

Plant this instead

Choose your county to list local plants first.

  • Shingle Oak
    Quercus imbricaria

    Sun: Full sun. Soil: Somewhat dry to moist. Flowers: Yellow.

    Similar growth form, height, evergreen or deciduous

  • Box-elder
    Acer negundo

    Sun: Full sun. Soil: Moderate. Flowers: White.

    Similar growth form, height, evergreen or deciduous

  • Washington Hawthorn
    Crataegus phaenopyrum

    Sun: Full sun. Soil: Somewhat dry to average. Flowers: White.

    Similar growth form, spread, evergreen or deciduous

Refine these alternatives in the finder

Check a whole list of plants

At a glance

Life cycle
Woody perennial
Leaves
Deciduous
Bloom
April to June
Fruiting season
July to October

Recorded in 15 Mississippi counties.

Natural habitats

Places it grows wild. Not a planting requirement. Each habitat page lists the plants and wildlife also found there.

1 of 2

Roadsides, fields and disturbed ground

Ground opened by people: roadsides, old fields, pastures, fencerows and lots.

Forests and woodlands

Forest or woodland where the source does not say how moist or dry.

All habitats

Ecological relationships

Who uses this plant?

What these records mean

4CaterpillarsGenus host records with ranges including MS

Genus host records with ranges including MS · Ailanthus

  • Atteva aureaAilanthus Webworm Moth
  • Hyalophora cecropiaCecropia Silkmoth, Cecropia Moth
  • Hyphantria cuneaFall Webworm
  • Orgyia leucostigmaWhite-Marked Tussock Moth
Shropshire & Tallamy 2025, Lepidoptera of North America north of Mexico, ZooKeys 1261 (ODbL)
—BeesSoutheastern regional records
—Specialist beesPollen specialists
—BirdsRecorded genus food-resource interactions; not a state feeding claim
Growing and identification

Plant details

Family
Simaroubaceae
Hardiness
Zones 4a–8b
Soil pH
Acidic to alkaline
Flower color
Brown/copper, yellow or green
Growth rate
Rapid
Growth habit
Single stem
Foliage color
Green
Fruit begins
July
Fruit ends
October

Safety has not been reviewed for this plant; check toxicity and thorns before planting.

Growing sources and scope
Also known as

Lampass; Stink Tree; Tree Of Heaven

Conservation status

Mississippi rankSNA
Global rankGNR
MS statusNot verified
Federal statusNot verified

Conservation source Global and federal source

Sources