tree of heaven

noun

1. an Asiatic tree, Ailanthus altissima, having large oblong leaves and rank-smelling flowers, often planted as a shade tree.

tree of heaven

noun

1. another name for ailanthus

Word History and Origins

Origin of tree of heaven¹

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

While they feed on more than 100 different plant species, they have a particular affinity for grapevines and a tree known as the “tree of heaven.”

From Los Angeles Times

The bugs are still so plentiful, the trained eye can spot them clinging to the trunks of tree of heaven while driving on the turnpike.

From National Geographic

Experts are focusing on getting rid of the insect’s favored host, the tree of heaven, by cutting it down and using herbicide to kill it.

From Washington Post

Spotted lanternfly fighters are doing everything from applying pesticides to cutting down trees of heaven, another invasive species that is a favored host of the spotted lanternfly.

From Seattle Times

Airborne DNA also revealed tree of heaven, an invasive plant not detected by the survey.

From Science Magazine