Ailanthus altissima
What to look for: large compound leaves, teeth at base of leaflet,
bumps (glands) underside at base of leaflet
……..
Small tree
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Leaves: pinnately compound
Up to 40 leaflets
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Only a few leaflets with serrations at the base of the leaflet. Rest smooth
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Single leaflet at end
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1-2 bumps (glands) on underside at base of leaflet
Repugnant smell
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Male flowers: long, green catkins
Female flowers: yellow-greenish, become winged seed pods
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Fissured bark
Similar species:
Sumac leaves have serrated edges. The leaflets of black walnut trees are finely serrated. The Tree of Heaven has only a few leaflets with serrations on the base. The rest of the margins are smooth.
The Tree of haven has a single terminal leaflet. The Black Walnut has no or a very small terminal leaflet.
 | Smooth sumac Serrated edges |
 | Black walnut Finely serrated No or small terminal leaflet |
 | Tree of heaven Few leaves have serrations at base Single terminal leaflet |