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Tree-of-Heaven: Ailanthus altissima, Simarubaceae |
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Tree-of-Heaven: Ailanthus altissima, Simarubaceae |
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The genus Ailanthus contains about 10 species, native to Asia and northern Australia. It was introduced into England from China in the mid-18th century as an ornamental. It was subsequently introduced from England to the United States in 1874. The word ailanthus is from the Moluccan name aylanto, meaning tree-of-heaven and referring to the height of the tree. The word altissima means very tall.
Other Common Names: Ailante, ailanthus, ailanto, ailantus, albero del paradiso, arbol el cielo, a tree grows in Brooklyn, Chinese tree-of-heaven, Chinese sumac, copal tree, falso zumaque, gotterbaum, gudstrad, heavenwood, hemelboom, paradise tree, piede di cavallo, stinking chun.
Distribution: Native to northern China, the tree was introduced in the 19th century throughout eastern United States (Missouri to Pennsylvania) and the south to California.
The Tree: Ailanthus grows rapidly, even in poor soils or environments. It grows to 80 ft (24 m), with a diameter of 2 ft (0.6 m). It is a pioneer species, crowding out other tree species. The leaves and flowers have a foul odor.
General Wood Characteristics: Heartwood is pale green to yellow with dark streaks, while the sapwood is wide and cream color. It is ring-porous with wide rays, superficially resembling ash.
Weighta
Moisture content |
Specific gravity |
Weight |
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lb/ft3 |
kg/m3 |
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Green |
NA |
NA |
NA |
12% |
0.531 |
NA |
NA |
Ovendry |
NA |
33.5–38.5 |
537–617 |
aReferences: specific gravity (65), weight (73).
Mechanical propertiesa
Property |
Green |
Dry |
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MOE |
0.92 × 106 lbf/in2 |
6.343 GPa |
1.52 × 106 lbf/in2 |
10.480 GPa |
MOR |
6.00 × 103 lbf/in2 |
41 .370 MPa |
11.8 × 103 lbf/in2 |
81.361 MPa |
C| | |
2.4 × 103 lbf/in2 |
16.548 MPa |
5.26 × 103 lbf/in2 |
36.268 MPa |
C ⊥ |
0.38 × 103 lbf/in2 |
2.620 MPa |
1.13 × 103 lbf/in2 |
7.791 MPa |
WML NA in-lbf/in3 NA kJ/m3 NA in-lbf/in3 NA kJ/m3
Hardness 701 lbf 3,118.05 N 1,731 lbf 7,699.49 N
Shear| | 1.05 × 103 lbf/in2 7.239 MPa 2.24 × 103 lbf/in2 15.444 MPa
aReference (65).
Drying & Shrinkage: Volumetric shrinkage is 10.81% from green (65). Working Properties: Easily worked with tools and glues; takes a finish well. Durability: Resistant to insects.
Preservation: No information available at this time.
Uses: Ornamental tree (shade, screen, water edge, erosion control), fuel, home crafts, turnery, pulp.
Toxicity: Pruning may cause vesicular eruptions (105).
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