Wandering Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus peregrina)

Tree of heaven Copal tree Chinois

Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey / License

Ailanthus peregrina - Taxonomic History and Botanical Profile

The botanical classification Ailanthus peregrina represents a historical synonym for one of the most resilient and widely distributed temperate trees on Earth.

First described under different genera before being placed in Ailanthus by Fred Alexander Barkley in 1937, this taxon shares all ecological and morphological traits with the common tree of heaven. It is renowned for its rapid growth, tolerance to harsh urban conditions, and competitive invasive strategy.

Taxonomy

∟ царство Plantae
∟ division Tracheophytes (Vascular Plants)
∟ subdivision Spermatophytes (Seed plants)
∟ Angiosperms
∟ mesangiosperms (Core angiosperms)
∟ eudicots
∟ Superrosids
∟ rosids
∟ malvids
∟ order Sapindales
∟ family Simaroubaceae (Quassia family)
∟ genus Ailanthus (Tree of heaven)
∟ species Ailanthus peregrina (Wandering Tree of Heaven)

Morphology

As a synonym of the tree of heaven, this deciduous tree exhibits a robust, upright growth habit, reaching heights of up to 25 meters. The bark is smooth and light gray, often developing shallow fissures as the tree matures.

The compound foliage and reproductive structures define its botanical identity:

Leaves: Pinnately compound, measuring up to 90 centimeters in length, with 13 to 41 leaflets that emit a strong, peanut-butter-like odor when crushed.
Flowers: Small, yellow-green blossoms arranged in large panicles, with male flowers producing a distinct, pungent scent to attract insect pollinators.
Fruit: A prominent samara with twisted wings and a single central seed, changing color from green to vibrant reddish-orange before drying.

Flowering season

Late spring to early summer

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Name

Dec

Applications

Historically used in traditional Chinese medicine, the bark and leaves of this species contain active compounds such as ailanthone, which exhibit antimicrobial properties. The wood is lightweight and suitable for firewood, charcoal, and cheap paper pulp manufacturing.

Erosion control: Planted on steep slopes and mine spoils due to its binding root system.
Traditional medicine: Utilized in herbal preparations to treat dysentery and asthma.

Interesting facts

The species was originally described as Albonia peregrina by Buc'hoz in the 18th century before being reclassified. Its ability to tolerate high concentrations of sulfur dioxide, ozone, and heavy metals makes it one of the few trees capable of thriving in highly polluted urban ecosystems.

Rapid growth: Saplings can grow over two meters in a single season, outcompeting native vegetation.
Allelopathy: The roots exude chemicals that inhibit the growth of surrounding plant species.

Geography of distribution

China
Taiwan
United States
France

Sources

GBIF Backbone Taxonomy: Ailanthus peregrina (Buc'hoz) F.A.Barkley (https://www.gbif.org/species/3708859)
Plants of the World Online (POWO): Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (https://powo.science.kew.org/)
IPNI: International Plant Names Index (https://www.ipni.org/n/7852-2)