Ailanthus altissima 'Purple Dragon'
Flowering period
Planting period
About this plant
Ailanthus
Trees of heaven (Ailanthus) are fast-growing trees from Asia, best known through Ailanthus altissima. Their long pinnate leaves with many leaflets give them an exotic, almost tropical look. Small greenish flowers in early summer are followed on female trees by clusters of winged fruits, and all parts release a distinctive smell when bruised.
Ailanthus altissima
Ailanthus altissima, the tree of heaven, comes from northern and central China, Taiwan and Korea. It is a large, very fast-growing tree reaching around 20 to 25 m, with a broad, open crown, smooth grey bark and leaves up to 90 cm long. The sexes are on separate trees; female trees bear clusters of reddish winged fruits that persist after leaf fall.
Location and soil
It adapts to virtually any soil, including poor, dry and stony ground, and copes with drought, heat and urban pollution. It grows in full sun or partial shade and is very hardy in Belgium. Only dense shade and permanently wet soils hold it back.
Pruning and care
Pruning is rarely needed beyond removing damaged or badly placed branches. The main task is control: dig out root suckers and seedlings as soon as they appear, and avoid growing male and female trees together to limit seed production.
Use in the garden
Important: Ailanthus altissima is on the European Union list of invasive alien species (Regulation 1143/2014), which restricts its trade and planting within the EU. It spreads readily into wasteland, roadsides and natural habitats, and its roots can lift paving and damage foundations and pipes.
Characteristics
Botanical
| Family | Simaroubaceae |
| Genus | Ailanthus |
| Species | altissima |
| Cultivar | 'Purple Dragon' |
Flowering
| Flowering period | june, july |
| Colour (flower) | white, green |
Foliage
| Evergreen | no |
| Colour (foliage) | red |
| Autumn colour | orange |
Growth habit
| Height | >1000 cm |
Use
| Fruits/berries | red, poisonous |