|
| Ailanthus altissima
Tree of heavenCulture: Highly adaptable and able to tolerate just about any condition, the tree of heaven grows best in moist, well-drained soils in full sun. It has a high pollution tolerance that has made it a pest throughout most urban environments, where it can grow to be 8' high in just 2 years. Although Verticillium wilt can be deadly, and there are occasional problems with cankers, this species is a tough survivor. Usage: Despite its interesting bark, clean foliage, slightly showy flowers, and slightly showy fruit (on female trees), the value of this species is outweighed by its excessive weediness, messiness, and malodorous flowers. I can only see it being used where nothing else can grow, such as along highways, in highly urbanized settings, or in strip mining reclamations. Even if planted in such environs, it would probably be best to plant male cultivars such as 'Metro' to discourage excessive proliferation. |
