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tiful native, the Black Walnut.
Tree-of-Heaven was introduced into the United States in the 18th century as an ornamental from England; it was brought there from China much earlier. In England, Tree-of-Heaven is not such a problem because it doesn’t thrive in the cold, moist English climate. In Virginia it found ideal growing conditions and has been spreading by winged seeds, like airplane propellers, and underground runners, ever since.
I just read a prophetic passage in a book on trees published in 1942, (Trees of the .Eastern and Central United States and Canada, by William Harlow). The author stated “If you plant this tree, be sure that you really want it (which is doubtful) because it will defy you to get rid of it, once started. TVee-of-Heaven ■may even become a forest ‘weed’ within the next 25 years.” Harlow was right.
The only positive comment I can make about Ailanth us is that it can grow anywhere and seems to thrive in the polluted air of cities. Consequently, Tree-of-Heaven is the only tree knowri in parts of some cities. I wish Ailanthus was back where it originated along with Kudzu and Japanese Honeysuckle.
If I could magically transport a Native American — knowledgeable about plants — from 200 years ago and have him stand beside me here — today — in Rappahannock County, he would be appalled at what we have done to his country. He would surely miss the Chestnut trees that have disappeared from the woods. And what would this Indian make of Ailanthus altissima?
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