Overview
Ailanthus glandulosa Desf., commonly known as Chinese sumac, is a deciduous tree native to China and Taiwan. It has become naturalized in many parts of the world, including the United States, Europe, and Africa.
Appearance
The Chinese sumac can grow up to 30 meters tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 1 meter. Its bark is gray and smooth, becoming rougher as the tree ages. The leaves are pinnate, with 13-25 leaflets that can grow up to 30 centimeters long. The tree produces small, greenish-yellow flowers that later develop into clusters of reddish-brown fruit.
Uses
The Chinese sumac has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine to treat a variety of ailments, such as dysentery, diarrhea, and asthma. Its bark, leaves, and seeds contain phytochemicals that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.
The tree has also been used in the production of traditional Chinese lacquer, and its wood is prized for its strength and durability.
Common Names
The Chinese sumac is also commonly known as Tree-of-Heaven, Paradise Tree, and Stink Tree due to its unpleasant odor when the leaves are crushed or bruised.
Typical Growth Conditions of Ailanthus glandulosa Desf.
Ailanthus glandulosa Desf., commonly known as Chinese sumac or tree of heaven, is a deciduous tree native to China and Taiwan but can now be found worldwide as an invasive species due to its adaptability and tolerance of various growing conditions.
Light Requirements
The Chinese sumac prefers full sun to partial shade, with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. The tree can tolerate shady conditions, but its growth will be stunted, and the foliage will become thinner. Exposure to full sunlight promotes healthy foliage growth and overall tree vigor.
Temperature Requirements
The Chinese sumac is tolerant of a wide range of temperatures, from -25°C to 40°C, although it thrives in warm temperate or subtropical climates. The optimal temperature range for growth is around 25-30°C. In colder regions, the tree may experience dieback or reduced growth during the winter months.
Soil Requirements
The Chinese sumac can tolerate a wide range of soil types, from clay to sandy soils, and even soils with poor nutrient content. However, the tree prefers well-draining soils with a pH range of 6-8.5. The Chinese sumac can adapt to soils with high salinity, making it a suitable tree for coastal areas. It is important to note that the tree is intolerant of waterlogged soils, which can lead to root rot and stunt the tree's growth.
Proper management is crucial to control the spread of the Chinese sumac, as it can grow in various conditions and has the potential to outcompete native plant species. Understanding the tree's growth conditions is essential for effectively managing its growth and preventing it from becoming an ecological threat.
Cultivation of Ailanthus Glandulosa Desf.
Ailanthus glandulosa Desf., commonly known as the tree of heaven, can grow in a wide range of soils, including compacted and poor soils. It is also a hardy tree species that can adapt to different climatic conditions. The species is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8, where temperatures range from -30°F to 20°F (-34.4°C to -6.7°C).
The tree grows well in full sun to partial shade and requires well-drained soil. Ailanthus glandulosa Desf. can withstand drought periods and high temperatures.
Watering Needs of Ailanthus Glandulosa Desf.
Ailanthus glandulosa Desf. requires an adequate amount of water during the first few years of establishment while its root system is still developing. It's important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. However, the plant can withstand drought once it is fully established.
Fertilization of Ailanthus Glandulosa Desf.
Young plants can benefit from a small amount of slow-release, balanced fertilizer, like a 10-10-10 formulation. Apply it at a rate of 1 pound per year of the tree's age, up to a maximum of 10 pounds annually, and spread it across the soil under the tree's canopy. As the tree matures, it may not require regular fertilization.
Pruning Ailanthus Glandulosa Desf.
Prune Ailanthus glandulosa Desf. during the dormant season to control its size, shape, and branching structure. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Remove water sprouts that emerge at the base, and thin branches to improve air circulation and light penetration inside the tree's canopy. Be sure to sanitize your pruning tools between cuts to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Ailanthus glandulosa Desf.
Ailanthus glandulosa Desf. can be propagated through seeds, root suckers, and cuttings.
Propagation through Seeds
The seeds of Ailanthus glandulosa Desf. can be collected in fall when they are ripe. The collected seeds should be dried and stored in a dry and cool place until sowing time in spring. Before sowing, the seeds can be stratified for 30 to 90 days to improve germination rates. The seeds can be sown directly in the ground or in containers filled with well-drained soil. The ideal planting time is in the spring or early summer. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept moderately moist until germination occurs.
Propagation through Root Suckers
Ailanthus glandulosa Desf. has extensive root systems that produce numerous root suckers. These root suckers can be carefully removed from the main plant using a spade or garden fork. The separated root suckers should be planted in well-drained soil in a location that receives full sun. Care should be taken to avoid disturbing the roots during transplanting. The new plants will grow quickly and can reach maturity within a few years.
Propagation through Cuttings
Softwood cuttings can be taken from Ailanthus glandulosa Desf. during late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be 4 to 6 inches long and taken from the current year's growth. The leaves from the bottom of the cutting should be removed, and the stem should be dipped in rooting hormone. The cuttings can be planted in a rooting medium composed of sand, perlite, or vermiculite. The cuttings should be kept in a warm, humid location with bright but indirect light until they grow roots. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into individual containers or in a garden bed.
Disease and Pest Management for Ailanthus glandulosa Desf.
Ailanthus glandulosa Desf., commonly known as Tree of Heaven, has relatively few natural pests and diseases. However, when it grows in areas where other species are dying, it tends to become infected with several diseases and attacked by insects. Here are some common diseases and pests that can affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Verticillium wilt is an important disease of Ailanthus glandulosa Desf. caused by a soil-borne fungus. The fungus enters the plant through the roots and stems, causing wilting and yellowing of leaves. To manage this disease, it is essential to avoid planting Ailanthus in soil that has previously affected by Verticillium wilt. If the disease is already present, it is necessary to remove and destroy the infected plants or control the disease by soil sterilization or fungicide application.
Another disease that can attack Ailanthus glandulosa Desf. is canker, which is caused by the fungus Botryosphaeria dothidea. The disease manifests as sunken cankers on the trunk and branches and can cause dieback. Pruning infected branches should be done then disinfect pruning tools to prevent the spread of the fungus to other parts of the plant. Fungicide can help to prevent canker infection on small wounds or newly pruning wounds.
Pests
Ailanthus webworm (Atteva aurea) is a common pest that can defoliate Ailanthus glandulosa Desf. trees. This insect is a small yellow-green moth whose larvae spin webs on the leaves and feed on them. The webworm is best controlled by handpicking and destroying infected leaves, particularly during early stages of infestation. Other control methods include biological control using natural enemies, such as parasitic wasps, and applying the insecticide Bacillus thuringiensis.
The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is a newer invasive pest that can also attack Ailanthus glandulosa Desf. trees. This insect is a planthopper that causes excessive sap loss and wilting, leading to eventual death of the plant. To manage this pest, Ailanthus trees should be regularly inspected for egg masses on the trunk and branches, which can be scraped off and destroyed. Chemical control using pesticides can also be effective in preventing the spread of the spotted lanternfly.
