Tree Of Heaven Research Paper

Tree of Heaven is a sumac plant that is native to China, but it moved into Indiana and is now an invasive species. It’s scientific name is Ailanthus altissima. The tree of heaven came to the United States in the late 1700’s. The reason that it’s an invasive species is because it crowds out native species and damages pavement and building foundations. Tree of heaven is a native of China and in 1751 was mistakenly introduced into France and England by a missionary who though it was a Japanese varnish tree. Then it was introduced to the United States from England as an exotic, fast growing, ornamental shade tree in Philadelphia, PA in 1784. It sparked the interest of everybody, so they started selling the seeds and seedlings to people who wanted to beautify shade their yards. Little did they know they were planting a new invasive species. Why the early popularity of tree of heaven? It was saw as a beautiful and fast growing shade tree, perfect for every yard because it grows in many types of soil. Another reason the popularity of this tree is because back when it was first brought to America and to Indiana people didn’t have air conditioners, so having a nice big shade tree in your yard was almost a necessity. …show more content…
The reason the tree of heaven is such a horrible plant to have in Indiana is because it crowds out our native species, and your native species will start to die out. The tree of heaven is a serious threat to the long-term productivity of forests in the central hardwood region. There are areas in southern Indiana along the Ohio River where Tree-of-Heaven has completely taken over acres and acres of native forest and formed a monoculture of