Tree of Heaven is a rapidly growing deciduous tree native to China that arrived in America in 1820 with grand intentions, only to become one of the most controversial plants in North American horticulture. Despite its troubled reputation, it's a testament to botanical resilience: a tree that thrives in zones 4 through 8, grows 40 to 80 feet tall and 30 to 60 feet wide, and produces fragrant, showy flowers in June. It tolerates urban pollution, drought, and poor soil with the kind of indifference that makes it nearly unstoppable, though this vigor is precisely what makes it a cautionary tale rather than a garden hero.
Partial Sun
Moderate
4-8
960in H x 720in W
—
Moderate
Hover over chart points for details
Tree of Heaven grows with almost supernatural speed, capable of bursting through pavement and colonizing abandoned spaces where nothing else dares establish itself. It produces highly fragrant, showy flowers in June and laughs in the face of urban pollution, poor soil, and drought conditions. However, this same aggressive vigor has transformed it from a 19th-century street tree into an invasive species that spreads relentlessly through root suckering and prolific self-seeding, actively choking out native plants across much of the continental United States.
Today, Tree of Heaven is more commonly eradicated than cultivated by homeowners and land managers attempting to restore native ecosystems. It has no culinary or ornamental value that justifies its cultivation, given its invasive behavior and weak wood. Its primary current 'use' is as a cautionary example in discussions of invasive species management and the long-term ecological consequences of introducing plants without understanding their reproductive capacity.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Pruning is essential for management rather than aesthetics, as this tree has weak wood and a short lifespan. Regular removal of suckers and seedlings is necessary to prevent the formation of large colonies, though pruning alone will not prevent new growth from emerging from the root system.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.
“This tree arrived in New York City in 1820 with a specific purpose: to serve as a food source for silkworm caterpillars, reflecting 19th-century ambitions to establish sericulture in America. Native to China, where it had been cultivated for centuries, the tree was initially celebrated as a street tree for its ability to thrive in the harsh, polluted conditions of urban landscapes. Over roughly two centuries, it naturalized throughout much of the United States and has since become classified as a noxious weed in many regions, a dramatic reversal from its original role as a promising introduction.”