{"id":4399,"date":"2018-01-17T09:46:37","date_gmt":"2018-01-17T17:46:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.cdfa.ca.gov\/Section3162\/?p=4399"},"modified":"2022-04-29T15:49:02","modified_gmt":"2022-04-29T22:49:02","slug":"swingle-tree-of-heaven-ailanthus-altissima-miller","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cdfa.ca.gov\/Section3162\/?p=4399","title":{"rendered":"Tree of Heaven | Ailanthus altissima (Miller)"},"content":{"rendered":"
California Pest Rating for<\/h5>\n
Tree of Heaven\u00a0\u00a0|\u00a0 Ailanthus altissima <\/em>(Miller)<\/h5>\n
Family: Simaroubaceae<\/h5>\n
Pest Rating: C | Proposed Seed Rating: R<\/h5>\n
\n

PEST RATING PROFILE<\/h3>\n

Initiating Event:<\/h5>\n

This plant has been included on the CDFA noxious weed list.<\/p>\n

History & Status:<\/h5>\n

Background<\/u>:<\/strong> Tree of heaven is a (mostly) dioecious, medium-sized tree that grows to approximately 30 meters high.\u00a0 The long (>50 cm), pinnately compound leaves contain 13-25 lanceolate leaflets measuring 8-13 centimeters each.\u00a0 Fruits are produced in large clusters and are winged, facilitating dispersal via wind.\u00a0 The tree can root sprout vigorously, especially when damaged, forming thickets of 100s of stems covering over 0.4 hectares. Tree of heaven was planted extensively in the early days of California and many of these plants have persisted as clonal clumps or thickets.<\/p>\n

Worldwide Distribution<\/u>:<\/strong> Tree of heaven is native to China and has been introduced to many temperate localities throughout the world, including the United States.<\/p>\n

Official Control<\/u>:<\/strong> This tree is listed as a noxious weed by at least five states (California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Oregon, and Vermont).<\/p>\n

California Distribution<\/u>:<\/strong> Tree of heaven is widespread in California; it has been reported in 39 counties (Alameda, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Contra Costa, El Dorado, Fresno, Humboldt, Inyo, Los Angeles, Kern, Marin, Mariposa, Mendocino, Monterey, Napa, Nevada, Orange, Placer, Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Sutter, Trinity, Tuolomne, Tulare, Ventura, and Yolo).<\/p>\n

California Interceptions<\/u>:<\/strong> Tree of heaven is submitted to the CDFA Botany Lab about once a year for identification.<\/p>\n

The risk tree of heaven would pose to California is evaluated below.<\/p>\n

Consequences of Introduction:<\/h5>\n

1) Climate\/Host Interaction:<\/strong> It is apparent that tree of heaven can tolerate the conditions found throughout much of the state of California, because it is already present over much of the state. Therefore, it receives a High (3)<\/strong><\/span> in this category.<\/p>\n

Evaluate if the pest would have suitable hosts and climate to establish in California:<\/p>\n

-Low (1)<\/strong> Not likely to establish in California; or likely to establish in very limited areas.<\/p>\n

-Medium (2)<\/strong> may be able to establish in a larger but limited part of California.<\/p>\n

-High (3)<\/strong> likely to establish a widespread distribution in California.<\/span><\/p>\n

2) Known Pest Host Range:<\/strong> Tree of heaven does not require any one host, but grows wherever ecological conditions are favorable. It receives a High (3)<\/span> <\/strong>in this category.<\/p>\n

Evaluate the host range of the pest.<\/p>\n

-Low (1)<\/strong> has a very limited host range.<\/p>\n

-Medium (2)<\/strong> has a moderate host range.<\/p>\n

-High (3)<\/strong> has a wide host range.<\/span><\/p>\n

3) Pest Dispersal Potential:<\/strong> Tree of heaven can reproduce via seed as well as clonally. Seeds are produced in great number (up to one million seeds\/tree\/year) and can be dispersed via wind. \u00a0However, it only rarely reproduces by seed in California and then only along riparian corridors. Most populations or clusters of trees are persisting from horticulture. Due to its ability to root sprout, tree of heaven can be very long-lived and hard to eradicate. Therefore, it receives a Medium (2)<\/span><\/strong> in this category.<\/p>\n

Evaluate the natural and artificial dispersal potential of the pest.<\/p>\n

-Low (1)<\/strong> does not have high reproductive or dispersal potential.<\/p>\n

-Medium (2)<\/strong> has either high reproductive or dispersal potential.<\/span><\/p>\n

-High (3)<\/strong> has both high reproduction and dispersal potential.<\/p>\n

4) Economic Impact:<\/strong> Tree of heaven can cause damage to structures, etc. in urban areas. The leaves are apparently somewhat irritating to skin.\u00a0 However, there does not appear to be any data quantifying economic damage resulting from this species.\u00a0 Therefore, it receives a Low (1)<\/span><\/strong> in this category.<\/p>\n

Evaluate the likely economic impacts of the pest to California using the criteria below.<\/p>\n

A. The pest could lower crop yield.<\/p>\n

B. The pest could lower crop value (includes increasing crop production costs).<\/p>\n

C. The pest could trigger the loss of markets (includes quarantines).<\/p>\n

D. The pest could negatively change normal cultural practices.<\/p>\n

E. The pest can vector, or is vectored, by another pestiferous organism.<\/p>\n

F. The organism is injurious or poisonous to agriculturally important animals.<\/p>\n

G. The organism can interfere with the delivery or supply of water for agricultural uses.<\/p>\n

Economic Impact Score: 1<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

-Low (1)<\/strong> causes 0 or 1 of these impacts.<\/span><\/p>\n

-Medium (2)<\/strong> causes 2 of these impacts.<\/p>\n

-High (3)<\/strong> causes 3 or more of these impacts.<\/p>\n

5) Environmental Impact:<\/strong> Although it is often associated with disturbed or urban areas, tree of heaven appears to be able to compete successfully with native plants. Disturbed and riparian habitats appear to be especially threatened.\u00a0 Impacts in California are unknown, but this tree is common in riparian areas and may be displacing native plants. \u00a0\u00a0Characteristics of tree of heaven that could allow it to displace native flora include clonal reproduction and allelopathic chemicals found in its tissues, which have been shown to inhibit germination and growth of other plants.\u00a0 Tree of heaven is considered an invasive wildland pest plant by the California Invasive Plant Council.\u00a0\u00a0 Therefore, it receives a High (3)<\/strong><\/span> in this category.<\/p>\n

Evaluate the environmental impact of the pest on California using the criteria below.<\/p>\n

Environmental Impact: A, C<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

A<\/strong>. The pest could have a significant environmental impact such as lowering biodiversity, disrupting natural communities, or changing ecosystem processes.<\/span><\/p>\n

B. The pest could directly affect threatened or endangered species.<\/p>\n

C<\/strong>. The pest could impact threatened or endangered species by disrupting critical habitats.<\/span><\/p>\n

D. The pest could trigger additional official or private treatment programs.<\/p>\n

E. The pest significantly impacts cultural practices, home\/urban gardening or ornamental plantings.<\/p>\n

Score the pest for Environmental Impact. Score: 3<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

-Low (1)<\/strong> causes none of the above to occur.<\/p>\n

-Medium (2)<\/strong> causes one of the above to occur.<\/p>\n

-High (3)<\/strong> causes two or more of the above to occur.<\/span><\/p>\n

Consequences of Introduction to California for tree of heaven: Medium (12)<\/span>. <\/strong><\/h5>\n

Low<\/strong> = 5-8 points<\/p>\n

Medium<\/strong> = 9-12 points<\/span><\/p>\n

High<\/strong> = 13-15 points<\/p>\n

6) Post Entry Distribution and Survey Information:<\/strong> Tree of heaven is already present over much of California. Therefore, it receives a High (-3)<\/span> <\/strong>in this category.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Evaluate the known distribution in California. Only official records identified by a taxonomic expert and supported by voucher specimens deposited in natural history collections should be considered. Pest incursions that have been eradicated, are under eradication, or have been delimited with no further detections should not be included.<\/p>\n

-Not established (0) <\/strong>Pest never detected in California, or known only from incursions.<\/p>\n

-Low (-1)<\/strong> Pest has a localized distribution in California, or is established in one suitable climate\/host area (region).<\/p>\n

-Medium (-2)<\/strong> Pest is widespread in California but not fully established in the endangered area, or pest established in two contiguous suitable climate\/host areas.<\/p>\n

-High (-3)<\/strong> Pest has fully established in the endangered area, or pest is reported in more than two contiguous or non-contiguous suitable climate\/host areas.<\/span><\/p>\n

Final Score:<\/h5>\n

The final score is<\/strong> the consequences of introduction score minus the post entry distribution and survey information score: Medium (9)<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Uncertainty:<\/h5>\n

Although tree of heaven has been present in the United States for a long time, it appears to still be spreading in the western part of the country, including California.\u00a0 The full impact of this species, especially in riparian areas, may be yet to be seen. However, unlike in eastern North America, there is little indication that tree of heaven commonly established via seed in California.<\/p>\n

Conclusion and Rating Justification:<\/h5>\n

Tree of heaven may be a serious threat where it has been planted in the past, especially in riparian areas.\u00a0 However, it is already widely distributed across the state.\u00a0 A \u201cC\u201d<\/span><\/strong> rating is justified.<\/p>\n

\n
References:<\/h5>\n

Calflora\u00a0http:\/\/www.calflora.org<\/a><\/p>\n

California Invasive Plant Council.\u00a0http:\/\/cal-ipc.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Consortium of California Herbaria. http:\/\/ucjeps.berkeley.edu\/consortium<\/a><\/p>\n

Encyclaweedia.\u00a0https:\/\/www.cdfa.ca.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Jepson eFlora.\u00a0http:\/\/ucjeps.berkeley.edu\/eflora<\/a><\/p>\n

Kowarik, I. and I. S\u00e4umel.\u00a0 2007.\u00a0 Biological flora of Central Europe: Ailanthus altissima<\/em> (Mill.) Swingle.\u00a0 Perspectives in Plant Ecology.\u00a0 8: 207-237.<\/p>\n

Lawrence, J.G.\u00a0 1991.\u00a0 The ecological impact of allelopathy in Ailanthus altissima<\/em> (Simaroubaceae).\u00a0 American Journal of Botany.\u00a0 78(7): 948-958.<\/p>\n

Oregon Department of Agriculture, Noxious Weed Control Program http:\/\/www.oregon.gov\/oda\/shared\/Documents\/Publications\/Weeds\/TreeOfHeavenProfile.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n

United States Department of Agriculture, Plants database. https:\/\/plants.usda.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

United States Forest Service, Fire Effects Information System. https:\/\/www.feis-crs.org\/feis\/<\/a><\/p>\n

\n
Author:<\/h5>\n

Kyle Beucke, 1220 N Street, Room 221, Sacramento, CA, 95814, 916-403-6741, plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov<\/p>\n

Responsible Party:<\/h5>\n

Dean G. Kelch, Primary Botanist; California Department of Food and Agriculture; 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814; Tel. (916) 403-6650;\u00a0\u00a0plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov.<\/p>\n

\n
*NOTE:<\/span><\/h5>\n

You must be registered and logged in to post a comment. \u00a0If you have registered and have not received the registration confirmation, please contact us at\u00a0plant.health[@]cdfa.ca.gov.<\/p>\n

\n
Comment Format:<\/h5>\n

\u2666 \u00a0Comments should refer to the appropriate California Pest Rating Proposal Form subsection(s)\u00a0being commented on, as shown below.<\/p>\n

Example Comment:
\n<\/strong>Consequences of Introduction: \u00a01. Climate\/Host Interaction:\u00a0[Your comment that relates to \u201cClimate\/Host Interaction\u201d here.<\/em>]<\/p>\n

\u2666 \u00a0Posted comments will not be able to be viewed immediately.<\/p>\n

\u2666 \u00a0Comments may not be posted if they:<\/p>\n

Contain inappropriate language which is not germane to\u00a0the pest rating proposal;<\/p>\n

Contains defamatory, false, inaccurate, abusive, obscene, pornographic,\u00a0sexually oriented, threatening, racially offensive, discriminatory or illegal\u00a0material;<\/p>\n

Violates agency regulations prohibiting sexual harassment or other forms\u00a0of discrimination;<\/p>\n

Violates agency regulations prohibiting workplace violence, including threats.<\/p>\n

\u2666 \u00a0Comments may be edited prior to posting to ensure they are entirely germane.<\/p>\n

\u2666 \u00a0Posted comments shall be those which have been approved in content and posted to the\u00a0website to be viewed, not just submitted.<\/p>\n

\n

Pest Rating: C | Proposed Seed Rating: R<\/h3>\n
\n

Posted by ls<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

California Pest Rating for Tree of Heaven\u00a0\u00a0|\u00a0 Ailanthus altissima (Miller) Family: Simaroubaceae Pest Rating: C | Proposed Seed Rating: R PEST RATING PROFILE Initiating Event: This plant has been included on the CDFA noxious weed list. History & Status: Background: Tree of heaven is a (mostly) dioecious, medium-sized tree that grows to approximately 30 meters … Continue reading Tree of Heaven | Ailanthus altissima (Miller)<\/span> →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":325,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[7],"tags":[642,644,643,85],"class_list":["post-4399","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-plants","tag-ailanthus-altissima","tag-simaroubaceae","tag-swingle-tree-of-heaven","tag-weeds"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p5l8vQ-18X","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":726,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.cdfa.ca.gov\/Section3162\/?p=726","url_meta":{"origin":4399,"position":0},"title":"Lycorma delicatula White: Spotted Lanternfly","author":"Jason Leathers","date":"April 7, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"California Pest Rating for Lycorma delicatula White:\u00a0 Spotted Lanternfly Hemiptera: Fulgoridae Pest\u00a0Rating: A PEST RATING PROFILE Initiating Event: On October 30, 2014 Duane Schnabel distributed information from the National Plant Board that Lycorma delicatula has been found in four counties in Pennsylvania and may have been distributed to other states.\u00a0\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Hemiptera"","block_context":{"text":"Hemiptera","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cdfa.ca.gov\/Section3162\/?cat=18"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":1958,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.cdfa.ca.gov\/Section3162\/?p=1958","url_meta":{"origin":4399,"position":1},"title":"Weeds","author":"Admin","date":"May 13, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"\u00a0 Weeds are simply an unwanted plant in the wrong place, at the right time.\u00a0 The weeds can directly and indirectly impact agricultural crops and are just as costly to the environment as any other unwanted species. 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