Knowledgebase

tree of heaven, not sumac or walnut? #876099

Asked July 06, 2024, 12:41 PM EDT

With the arrival of spotted lanternflies, I searched our property for anything that might be a tree of heaven. Found this tree with non-serrated opposing leaflets, hanging translucent seed pods, and vertically striped bark. After consulting Google I'm 99% sure this is a tree of heaven, but wanted to be 100% sure that it's not sumac, walnut, or something else before removing the tree. Happy to send more pictures if needed. Many thanks for your help.

Howard County Maryland

Expert Response

Hi, Jeff,
The seed pods look like those of Tree-of-Heaven (Ailanthus altissima). Click on this link to view a video from Penn State Extension to learn the identification characteristics of the invasive tree-of-heaven and to be able to distinguish it from the native look-alikes, black walnut and staghorn sumac.
Thank you for your question and for your vigilance.
Barbara
Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For more information on a variety of yard and garden topics, visit the HGIC website and our blog, Maryland Grows. Replied July 07, 2024, 11:21 PM EDT
Thanks Barbara! Appreciate the confirmation and the Penn State Extension link.
Jeff

July 7, 2024 at 11:21 PM
The Question Asker Replied July 08, 2024, 11:28 AM EDT
You are welcome.
Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For more information on a variety of yard and garden topics, visit the HGIC website and our blog, Maryland Grows. Replied July 08, 2024, 11:37 AM EDT

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