tree of heaven

American  

noun

1. an Asiatic tree, Ailanthus altissima, having large oblong leaves and rank-smelling flowers, often planted as a shade tree.

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tree of heaven British  

noun

1. another name for ailanthus

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Etymology

Origin of tree of heaven

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

The bugs are still so plentiful, the trained eye can spot them clinging to the trunks of tree of heaven while driving on the turnpike.

From National Geographic • Aug. 31, 2023

But if New Yorkers can’t check the lanternfly, there’s a silver lining: they feed on the tree of heaven, a tough, stinky invader with which city-dwellers have a love-hate relationship.

From New York Times • Aug. 8, 2022

Airborne DNA also revealed tree of heaven, an invasive plant not detected by the survey.

From Science Magazine • Dec. 30, 2021

Instead, they are focused on combating the spread of a select group dubbed “the evil 25,” including fountain grass, tree of heaven and Spanish broom.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2019

As the buds on the trees turn to flowers, she raises her black eyebrows in surprise above her wide blue eyes and declares: bougainvillea, hibiscus, why, tree of heaven!

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver