Why is it called the tree of heaven?
Why the early popularity of tree-of-heaven? Fryer (2010) states that the scientific name, Ailanthus (i.e. sky-tree) and the common name, tree-of-heaven, refer to this tree's ability to grow towards the sky very quickly.
Tree of heaven looks like black walnut or staghorn sumac, both common trees in Michigan. Leaflets on both of these look-alikes are serrated or toothed along the edges.
Overview. Tree of heaven is a plant. The dried bark from the trunk and root are sometimes used in folk medicine. Tree of heaven is used for diarrhea, asthma, cramps, epilepsy, fast heart rate, gonorrhea, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Tree-of-heaven (synonyms: ailanthus, Chinese sumac, stinking sumac, paradise tree, copal tree, Brooklyn palm) is a fast growing tree that was introduced as an ornamental into the United States from China. Its common name and scientific name both refer to its rather tall height (60 to 80 feet).
It is considered an invasive species in many countries and very difficult to eradicate because of its ability to re-sprout vigorously when cut. Tree of Heaven identification – large Ash-like pinnate leaves with up to 21 leaflets, fruit 'keys' that turn orange in autumn, bark with vertical 'snakes'.
The tree of heaven was brought from China to the United States in the late 1700s as a horticultural specimen and shade tree. Its ease of establishment, rapid growth and absence of insect or disease problems made it popular when planning urban landscaping.
Ailanthus altissima /eɪˈlænθəs ælˈtɪsɪmə/, commonly known as tree of heaven, ailanthus, varnish tree, or in Chinese as chouchun (Chinese: 臭椿; pinyin: chòuchūn), is a deciduous tree in the family Simaroubaceae. It is native to northeast and central China, and Taiwan.
Sumac leaflets are serrated or toothed (jagged edges), while Tree of Heaven leaflets have smooth edges. Seeds/Fruits: As mentioned previously, sumac trees have a reddish, cone shaped cluster of fuzzy fruits that can persist throughout the summer and fall months.
Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) Also called shumac, stinking sumac, Chinese sumac, and ailanthus, it was introduced by a Pennsylvania gardener in 1748 and was made available commercially by 1840. It gained some notoriety as the species featured in the book “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn,” by Betty Smith.
Tree of Heaven - Shenandoah National Park (U.S. National Park Service)
Is Tree of Heaven toxic to humans?
Tree of heaven could be tree of hell if you are allergic to the flower pollen, and serious dermatitis can result from skin contact with the sap. Yet the entire plant offers healing qualities and is used as a mainstay in traditional Chinese medicine.
The notorious plant wipes out native species with its dense thicket and toxins it excretes into the soil. It also emits a bad smell from its flowers; has no natural predators; and serves as a sanctuary for destructive invasive insects, such as the spotted lanternfly.

The "five trees" also could be interpreted as referring to the Five Worlds of the mystical Jewish Kabbalah: Asiyah, Yetzirah, Beriah, Atzilut & Adam Kadmon – descriptive of dimensional levels related to the soul's progress toward unity with or return to the Creator.
The process of removing a full-grown tree of heaven consists of cutting down the tree as close to the ground as possible. Brush off any sawdust that might be on the cut surface and apply a systemic herbicide such as glyphosate, using a paintbrush or an herbicide applicator.
The leaflet edges of these native trees all have teeth, called serrations, while those of tree-of-heaven are smooth. The foul odor produced by the crushed foliage and broken twigs is also unique to tree-of-heaven.
They take over disturbed areas and shade out native trees. They grow where they are not wanted and are hard to get rid of. Although the lifespan of trees of heaven is not long, these trees dominate a site by their incredible ability to resprout. If you cut a tree, it immediately resprouts from the stump.
(Ailanthus altissima)
Tree-of-heaven was also brought to California by Chinese immigrants during the Gold Rush. It is found throughout the continental United States and in Hawaii, and is reported as invasive in over 30 US states, including California.
On top of its environmental impact, tree-of-heaven is hard on our homes and neighborhoods. The leaves of male trees smell terrible, like rancid peanuts or well-used gym socks. Because it grows so fast, its wood is very brittle, leading to substantial branch drop.
Tree of heaven is a preferred host plant for spotted lanternfly, a highly destructive, invasive insect, accidentally introduced from Asia. The spotted lanternfly was first documented in Berks County, Pennsylvania in 2014, and has now spread across most of southeastern PA.
A young tree-of-heaven can closely resemble native sumac, but has dry papery fruits rather than clusters of red fruits.
What does tree symbolize in Bible?
Very early on in the Bible, in the book of Genesis, we find that trees are mentioned. Not just one variety of tree, but various kinds. They are not mentioned just for their beauty, but because each gave fruit with seeds in it. They were given for us to use. This shows God's generosity to us in abundance and variety.
Fig, olive, oak, palm and green bay can bring a little bit of the Bible into your backyard.
Jesus himself declared that the kingdom of heaven is like a tree (Matthew 13:31–32). The only thing that Jesus ever harmed was a tree (Mark 11:12–14, 20–21), and the only thing that could kill him was a tree.
As if to underscore all these trees, the Bible refers to wisdom as a tree (Proverbs 3:18). Every major character and every major theological event in the Bible has an associated tree.
tree of heaven, also called Copal Tree, or Varnish Tree, (Ailanthus altissima), rapid-growing tree, in the family Simaroubaceae, native to China but widely naturalized elsewhere.