Ailanthus altissima

Tree of Heaven

The Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) is a fast-growing deciduous tree native to East Asia and now found in many parts of the world. It typically reaches a height of 15-25 metres, but can grow even higher in favourable conditions. The tree is characterised by its great adaptability to different environments and is able to thrive even on adverse sites. The leaves are pinnate and consist of several pairs of glossy, green leaflets. In summer, the Tree of Heaven develops dense inflorescences with small, greenish flowers. The fruits are flat, papery seeds that are dispersed by the wind. Ailanthus altissima is considered very resilient and therefore difficult to control. Its presence can have a negative impact on native vegetation by suppressing it and enriching the soil with nitrogen.

Types of damage

Ecological damage

The Tree of Heaven forms dense stands and often grows in monocultures, which can reduce biodiversity. Due to strong shading and an increase in available nitrogen through easily degradable litter, species compositions can be altered, especially in meagre grassland communities.

Economical damage

Due to its robust root system, the Tree of Heaven can penetrate crevices, cracks and other weak points in structures and asphalt. This root growth can cause structural damage by affecting roads and compromising the foundations of structures.

Damage to health

Contact with the leaves or sap of the tree can cause allergic reactions in some people, such as skin irritation or breathing difficulties. In addition, the flying seeds of the god tree can also cause allergies in large quantities.

Region of origin

China, South East Asia

Introduction vectors

Horticulture

The Tree of Heaven was often planted in gardens, parks and along streets as an ornamental tree

Dissemination by animals

Birds can eat the seeds of the Tree of Heaven and excrete them in their droppings in other places. This allows the seeds to be spread over greater distances
Current distribution

Based on the FlorKart Database of the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, as of 2013

Miscellaneous

Family

The Simaroubaceae family comprises about 32 genera with around 170 species. They are mostly evergreen trees and shrubs, rarely also lianas, which occur in tropical to subtropical regions. The leaves are usually imparipinnate and often have glandular spots. Particularly characteristic is the often bitter taste of the plant parts, which indicates the presence of specific secondary plant substances. Well-known representatives are, for example, the Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) or the Quassia (Quassia amara), whose wood is used as a bitter additive in medicine and spirits.

Climate change

Ailanthus altissima has not yet filled its potentially suitable habitat under current climate conditions. It benefits from climate change because in the future its potentially suitable habitat will increase. The environmental factors that most influence its spread are road infrastructure, soil type, rail infrastructure, habitat type and temperature in summer.

Positive effects

The Tree of Heaven is not only used in traditional Chinese medicine as a medicinal plant. Recent pharmacological studies suggest a wide range of potential medical applications for its components, e.g. against malaria, the Epstein-Barr virus and even HIV disease.

Dispersion forecast

Indicates the proportion of land suitable for habitat under current and future climate conditions (2060-2080) under three emission scenarios (RCP26, RCP45 & RCP85).

Habitat suitability maps

Instructions for use: Click here

Habitat suitability under current climate conditions

These habitat suitability maps show for Ailanthus altissima where suitable habitat conditions exist.

The map on the left shows this for current climate conditions. Below this are maps for the time classes 2040-2060 and 2061-2080, in which three different emission scenarios can be selected.

The slider at the top left allows you to adjust the opacity of the map to make orientation easier.

By clicking on the respective quadrant, information on the environmental conditions present in it can be called up.

The applied methodology is described here.

Habitat suitability 2040 - 2060

2040-2060: In the RCP2.6 scenario, GHG emissions are expected to peak by 2040 through comprehensive mitigation measures and to decline rapidly thereafter. By 2060, global warming would stabilise at about 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Subtle changes in precipitation patterns could vary regionally, with some areas facing increased drought and others increased precipitation.

2040-2060: Under RCP4.5, GHG emissions would continue to increase until 2040, but stabilise at a high level thereafter. By 2060, there could be a global temperature increase of about 2°C above pre-industrial levels. This scenario would likely cause moderate changes in precipitation patterns, with potential regional differences.

2040-2060: Under RCP8.5, which assumes continued intensive use of fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emissions would rise sharply by 2060. The global temperature increase could be around 2.5-3°C. In this scenario, significant changes in precipitation patterns could occur, with an increased likelihood of extreme weather events.

Habitat suitability 2061 - 2080

2060-2080: By 2080, global warming could be limited to below 2°C in the RCP2.6 scenario, provided emission reductions are consistently pursued. Impacts on precipitation patterns would likely stabilise, although regional variance would remain significant.

2060-2080: In the RCP4.5 scenario, global temperatures would continue to increase and could be around 2.5°C above pre-industrial levels by 2080. Changes in precipitation patterns would likely increase and regional differences could become more pronounced.

2060-2080: Under RCP8.5, global temperatures could rise by more than 4°C above pre-industrial levels by 2080. Precipitation patterns would be expected to change significantly, with further increases in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. This would have far-reaching impacts on ecological and socio-economic systems.