1. Native / Non-native Status
Non-native. Native to China; introduced to Britain in the mid-18th century as an ornamental tree. Widely planted in towns during the Victorian era but now often regarded as invasive.
2. Evergreen / Deciduous
Deciduous – leaves fall in autumn.
3. Appearance
Leaves: Huge pinnate leaves, 30–90 cm long, with 10–40 lance-shaped leaflets. Leaflets have a small bump or tooth near the base and emit a foul, acrid smell when crushed. Arranged alternately.
Bark: Smooth, pale grey on young trees, becoming rough and fissured with age.
Flowers/Fruit/Seeds: Greenish-yellow flowers in large clusters in summer. Female trees produce masses of papery, twisted, winged seeds (samaras) that turn reddish and hang in bunches.
Overall shape: Medium to large tree with a straight trunk and an often irregular, spreading crown.
4. Typical Size
15–25 m tall; can exceed 30 m in ideal conditions.
5. Habitat & Range
Planted in towns and cities across the UK; naturalised in some urban wastelands, railways, and rough ground. Tolerates pollution, compacted soils, and poor growing conditions. Considered invasive in many European countries.
6. Distinctive Features (ID tips)
Very large pinnate leaves with many leaflets.
Foul smell when leaves or twigs are crushed.
Clusters of reddish papery seed pods.
Rapid growth and ability to sucker extensively.
7. Seasonal Changes
Spring: Large leaves emerge.
Summer: Greenish-yellow flowers, lush foliage.
Autumn: Seeds ripen red to brown and persist; leaves turn yellow before dropping.
Winter: Bare crown, often with persistent seed clusters.
8. Human Uses
Introduced as an ornamental tree for avenues and parks.
Used in traditional Chinese medicine (roots, bark, and leaves).
Timber sometimes used in its native range, but poor quality in Europe.
Now mostly avoided due to invasive tendencies.
9. Wildlife Value
Limited value to native UK wildlife.
Flowers provide some nectar for insects, but allelopathic chemicals in leaves suppress growth of other plants around it.
10. Fun Fact / Cultural Note
Called “Tree of Heaven” for its fast, skyward growth.
Featured in the novel A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, symbolising resilience in tough conditions.
Now often considered a nuisance tree due to root suckering, aggressive spread, and unpleasant odour.
11. Planting & Care (Basic Instructions)
⚠️ Note: Not recommended for planting in the UK due to invasive potential.