tree of heaven, not sumac or walnut? - Ask Extension
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 oppos...
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
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
Thanks Barbara! Appreciate the confirmation and the Penn State Extension link.
Jeff
Jeff
July 7, 2024 at 11:21 PM
You are welcome.
