Quercus

Tree-of-heaven

Ailanthus altissima

Not native to South Carolina

Do not plant. Listed invasive in South Carolina.

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Ecological relationships

Who uses this plant?

4CaterpillarsGenus host records with ranges including SC

Genus host records with ranges including SC · 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
Summer
Fruit ends
Fall

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; Tree of heaven

Conservation status

South Carolina rankNot available
Global rankGNR
SC statusNot verified
Federal statusNot verified

Conservation source Global and federal source

Sources