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History and Description
The tree-of-heaven was originally from Eastern China.
It was first introduced in 1784 from Europe by a gardener in
Philadelphia, PA. Most of the trees were originally brought to California by the
Chinese who came to America in search of gold.
The tree-of-heaven grows up to 80
feet high and 6 feet in diameter. It has long leaves and circles under it. It
has a strong, offensive odor from flowers. The twigs of the tree-of-heaven are
strong. They are brown to reddish tan and are smooth with light dots and
heart-shaped leaf scars. The bark is light gray and rough. The leaves alternate
odd or even leaflets. Each
leaflet is 2 to 7 inches long and 1 to 2 inches wide. The flowers of the
tree-of-heaven bloom from
April to June. They are yellow-green in color. They have five pedals and five
sepals.
Uses
The tree-of-heaven is used mostly for
ornamental purposes. It also has many medicinal uses. It can be used to treat
dysentery, bowel problems, asthma, epilepsy, and many more illnesses.
Reproduction
The tree-of-heaven reproduces by
seeds and vegetative sprouts. The tree produces flowers in late spring.
The male and female flower are on separate trees. A individual tree can
produce around 325,000 seeds a year.
Ecological Threat
The tree-of-heaven produces an abundance of seeds and grows very rapidly. It can
out compete native species. They form impenetrable thickets. Its root system
can cause damage to sewers and foundations.
Control
Seedlings
can be pulled up by hand when the soil is moist. In addition to pulling or
cutting, herbicides need to be applied. After the plant is removed, the area
needs to be checked frequently to make sure no suckers or seeds have started new
plants.
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