Ailanthus, tree-of-heaven update, a northeast regional biological control project
Authors: | Scott M. Salom, Loke T. Kok, Nathan Herrick, Tom McAvoy, Donald Davis, Mark Schall, Matt Kasson, Du Yu-Zhou, Ji Hailong, He Xiao, Richard Reardon |
Year: | 2009 |
Type: | Other |
Station: | Northern Research Station |
Source: | In: McManus, Katherine A; Gottschalk, Kurt W., eds. Proceedings. 20th U.S. Department of Agriculture interagency research forum on invasive species 2009; 2009 January 13-16; Annapolis, MD. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-51. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 52-53. |
Abstract
The tree-of-heaven (TOH), Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle (Sapindales: Simaroubaceae), is an invasive weed tree distributed throughout most of the continental United States. It is a hardy pioneer species that colonizes disturbed sites, such as road medians, rights-of-way, and forest settings. It produces allelopathic chemicals, millions of seeds, and sprouts back when cut, making it an extraordinarily good competitor, resulting in the displacement of native plant species. Herbicide treatments can provide short-term relief, but are expensive and nonsustainable.
Parent Publication
- Proceedings. 20th U.S. Department of Agriculture interagency research forum on invasive species 2009