The genus Ailanthus contains about 10 species, native to Asia and northern Australia. It was introduced into England from China in the mid-18th century as an ornamental. It was subsequently introduced from England to the United States in 1874. The word ailanthus is from the Moluccan name aylanto, meaning tree-of-heaven and referring to the height of the tree. The word altissima means very tall.
Other Common Names: Ailante, ailanthus, ailanto, ailantus, albero del paradiso, arbol el cielo, a tree grows in Brooklyn, Chinese tree-of-heaven, Chinese sumac, copal tree, falso zumaque, gotterbaum, gudstrad, heavenwood, hemelboom, paradise tree, piede di cavallo, stinking chun.
Distribution: Native to northern China, the tree was introduced in the 19th century throughout eastern United States (Missouri to Pennsylvania) and the south to California.
The Tree: Ailanthus grows rapidly, even in poor soils or environments. It grows to 80 ft (24 m), with a diameter of 2 ft (0.6 m). It is a pioneer species, crowding out other tree species. The leaves and flowers have a foul odor.
General Wood Characteristics: Heartwood is pale green to yellow with dark streaks, while the sapwood is wide and cream color. It is ring-porous with wide rays, superficially resembling ash.
Weighta
Weight
Moisture Specific lb/ft3 kg/m3
content gravity
Green NA NA NA
12% 0.531 NA NA
Ovendry NA 33.5–38.5 537–617
aReferences: specific gravity (65), weight
(73).
Mechanical propertiesa
Property Green Dry
MOE 0.92 106 6.343 GPa 1.52 106 10.480 GPa
lbf/in2 lbf/in2
MOR 6.00 103 41.370 MPa 11.8 103 81.361 MPa
lbf/in2 lbf/in2
C| | 2.4 103 16.548 MPa 5.26 103 36.268 MPa
lbf/in2 lbf/in2
C 0.38 103 2.620 MPa 1.13 103 7.791
lbf/in2 lbf/in2 MPa
WML NA in-lbf/in3 NA kJ/m3 NA in-lbf/in3 NA kJ/m3
Hardness 701 lbf 3,118.05 N 1,731 lbf 7,699.49 N
Shear| | 1.05 103 7.239 MPa 2.24 103 15.444 MPa
lbf/in2 lbf/in2
aReference (65).
Drying & Shrinkage: Volumetric shrinkage is 10.81% from green (65).
Working Properties: Easily worked with tools and glues; takes a finish well.
Durability: Resistant to insects.
Preservation: No information available at this time.
Uses: Ornamental tree (shade, screen, water edge, erosion control), fuel, home crafts, turnery, pulp.
Toxicity: Pruning may cause vesicular eruptions (105).
Additional Reading: 1, 2, 3, 15, 17, 22, 23, 26, 55, 66, 68, 74, 79. 28, 29, 42, 43, 44, 48, 50, 55, 56, 68, 72, 73, 74, 79, 92, 97, 102.