Ailanthus altissima Scorecard

Species:  Ailanthus altissima

Common Name:  tree-of-heaven

Scorecard created on
Last Updated on

Results

Impact Total:14 / 35Impact = ( Spread + Damage - Benefit )

Ability to Respond Total:12 / 25Ability to Respond = ( Ease of Response + Tools in Place )

Confidence:High

Confidence Notes:

Impact

SpreadNotesScore
Spread RateSpreads rapidly, reproduces via seed and suckers (Cal-IPC assessment)5
Spread AmountLimited to below 1250m in elevation4
DamageNotesScore
EcologicalDisplaces native plants, effects on wildlife unknown changes soil chemistry through alleopathy (Cal-IPC). Rated moderate in the Cal-IPC inventory.4
Agricultural"Very invasive in many agricultural areas, including canals and ditches that provide irrigation water." J. Staggs (personal communication)1
Infrastructure1
Cultural0
Health0
BenefitNotesScore
Ecological0
AgriculturalCommon landscape ornamental until late 1800's (DiTomaso & Cal-IPC assessment). No longer sold as an ornamental (Vince Guise, personal communication)0
Infrastructure0
CulturalLandscaping, Medicinal plant of Chinese immigrants during the Gold Rush period (DiTomaso)1
HealthMedicinal plant of Chinese immigrants during the Gold Rush period (DiTomaso). Ailanthus isn't used much for medicinal purposes and very invasive (Ron Eng, personal communication).0
Total14

Ability to Respond

Ease of ResponseNotesScore
DetectionCan be confused with CA black walnut (Juglans californica)5
ControlMay require repeated cut stump or stem injection herbicide treatment.3
Tools in PlaceNotesScore
EntryCDFA C listed1
Control1
OutreachIncluded in Cal-IPC Don't Plant a Pest brochures.2
Total12

References