About
Ailanthus altissima is classified as an invasive non-native species under Schedule 9 of The Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order (1985), and its sale is prohibited. Consult the cultivation notes for additional information. This tree is known for its spreading habit and tendency to produce suckers. It features large, pinnate leaves that display a reddish hue in the spring. Female trees produce small green flower clusters, which are succeeded by red, winged fruits.
About the genus
Ailanthus are rapidly growing deciduous trees, primarily cultivated for their large, pinnate foliage.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Suckering
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- Higher than 12 metres
- Spread
- wider than 8 metres
- Time to full height
- 20-50 years
- Native to
- SW China
- Toxicity
- Skin irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs): Skin irritant - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
- Cultivation
- This plant is listed on Schedule 9 of the UK Wildlife & Countryside Act as an invasive non-native species. Across the EU, UK and NI it is an offence to plant or cause to grow in the wild plants listed on Schedule 9 of this order. These plants should not be planted or caused to grow in the wild and in addition are banned from sale. Gardeners possessing them should undertake measures to control them. See RHS advice on invasive non-native species for further information
- Propagation
- Please see cultivation notes
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free