Ailanthus excelsa, commonly known as Tree of Heaven, is a large deciduous tree native to dry forest areas and scrublands in India and Sri Lanka. It is often found in disturbed areas, along roadsides, and in open spaces where it can rapidly colonize. The tree typically grows to a height of 82-98 feet (25-30 meters) with a wide, spreading canopy. The leaves are large, compound, and can reach up to 3 feet in length, with each leaflet having one or two teeth near the base. Ailanthus excelsa is known for its rapid growth and ability to thrive in poor soils. It produces small, yellowish-green flowers which are not particularly showy, followed by samaras, a type of winged fruit that aids in wind dispersal.

The Tree of Heaven is often used in tropical and subtropical regions for reforestation projects due to its fast growth and adaptability to degraded sites. It is also planted for shade, to mark field boundaries, and to prevent soil erosion. In cultivation, it requires minimal care, tolerating drought and a wide range of soil conditions, though it prefers full sun. However, gardeners should be cautious as it has a tendency to spread aggressively through root suckers and seeds. Its allelopathic properties, which inhibit the growth of nearby plants, should also be considered.CC BY-SA 4.0