Tree

Ailanthus altissima

Simaroubaceae · broadleaf deciduous tree · introduced

Last updated May 27, 2026

Plant Profile

Height

40–60 ft

Spread

49 ft

Growth Rate

Fast

Size at 20 yr

50 ft

Lifespan

Short-lived

Light

Full Sun

Soil Drainage

Wet Tolerant

Soil pH

4.1-7.9

Water

Moderate

Drought Tolerance

Medium

Hardiness

Zones 4a–8b

Bloom Time

June

Fall Color

Yes

Origin

China, now found in Europe and naturalized over much of the

Root Colonization Period

View full calendar (8 stages)

Stage	Typical Window	What to Look For
Bud break BBCH 07	Feb 15-Mar 15	Buds swelling and beginning to open; first green tissue visible
Leaf emergence BBCH 11	Mar 1-Apr 1	First leaves fully unfurled on new growth
Bloom start BBCH 61	May 1-May 31	First open flowers visible; flowers green
Bloom end / petal fall BBCH 69	May 15-Jun 15	Last petals falling; flower structures fading
Fruit/seed development BBCH 71	Jun 1-Aug 31	Fruit or seed structures forming; fruit color: yellow
Fruit/seed maturity BBCH 85	Sep 1-Nov 30	Fruit fully colored and ripened; seed dispersal may begin
Leaf drop BBCH 93	Oct 15-Nov 30	Leaves yellowing and dropping; no significant fall color display
Dormancy BBCH 97	Nov 15-Feb 28	Leafless; no active growth; dormant buds set

Data Maturity

Baseline Extension data. Expert review underway.