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

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

An artist and professor at Syracuse University has created a veritable tree of heaven.

From National Geographic • Dec. 21, 2015

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