Ailanthus altissima (P. Miller) Swingle

Locations ofAilanthus altissima (P. Miller) Swingle in Virginia

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Detail

Family
Simaroubaceae
Botanical Name
Ailanthus altissima (P. Miller) Swingle
Common Name
Tree-of-heaven
Synonym(s)
Flora of Virginia Name/Status
Ailanthus altissima (P. Mill.) Swingle
Comments
Huge numbers of wind-dispersed Ailanthus seeds germinate frequently and repeatedly in older mesic and dry-mesic forests of Virginia. Although most are short-lived, enough are often present at a given time to foster mass releases of this species following gap disturbances from logging, wind-throws, or pathogen outbreaks. Once established in a disturbed forest, Ailanthus is a fierce competitior and extremely difficult to eradicate because of its allelopathic foliage, prolific seed production, and root-suckering.
Habitat
Disturbed forests, old fields, fencerows, road banks, and urban woodlots; especially abundant in base-rich soils. Common throughout, and highly invasive in both ruderal and natural habitats.
Native Status
Introduced

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