tree of heaven: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (C2)Technical (Botany/Horticulture), Environmental Science, Regional/Colloquial (where invasive).
Quick answer
What does “tree of heaven” mean?
A fast-growing deciduous tree (Ailanthus altissima), originally from Asia, known for its height, long compound leaves, and foul-smelling flowers.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A fast-growing deciduous tree (Ailanthus altissima), originally from Asia, known for its height, long compound leaves, and foul-smelling flowers.
A problematic invasive species in many parts of the world, valued historically as a hardy urban street tree but now often targeted for removal due to its aggressive growth and allelopathic properties.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in term usage. Both varieties use the same binomial name. The common name is used in both regions.
Connotations
In both, it is strongly associated with invasive species management. In the UK, it is less widespread than in the US but carries the same negative ecological connotations.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to its more extensive invasion history and public awareness campaigns in North America.
Grammar
How to Use “tree of heaven” in a Sentence
The [LOCATION] is infested with tree of heaven.They removed the tree of heaven [from the garden].[Ailanthus altissima], commonly known as tree of heaven, [VERB]...The tree of heaven [grows/spreads/smells].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tree of heaven” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The land was completely tree-of-heavened within a decade.
- We need to prevent the area from being tree-of-heavened.
American English
- The vacant lot got tree-of-heavened pretty quickly.
- They're worried the new construction site will tree-of-heaven.
adjective
British English
- The tree-of-heaven saplings were everywhere.
- We conducted a tree-of-heaven survey for the council.
American English
- The tree-of-heaven problem is rampant in the mid-Atlantic states.
- He's a tree-of-heaven eradication specialist.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in landscaping, pest control, or environmental consultancy reports.
Academic
Common in ecology, botany, forestry, and environmental science papers discussing invasive species.
Everyday
Low. Used by gardeners, conservation volunteers, or residents dealing with it. Often preceded by 'that darn...' or 'this invasive...'.
Technical
Standard term in horticulture, arboriculture, and invasive species management guides.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tree of heaven”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “tree of heaven”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tree of heaven”
- Misspelling as 'tree of haven'.
- Confusing it with the similar-looking sumac or walnut trees.
- Using it as a general poetic term for a beautiful tree (incorrect in modern usage).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not recommended. It is highly invasive, difficult to eradicate, can damage foundations and pavements with its roots, and its male flowers produce a strong, unpleasant odor.
The name is a translation of its name in one of its native languages (e.g., 'chouchun' in Chinese), possibly referring to its height, reaching 'for the heavens'. The irony is a result of its negative impact outside its native range.
Look for long, compound leaves with 11-41 leaflets, each with one or more distinctive glandular teeth near the base. The bark is smooth and light grey on young trees. Crushed leaves and male flowers have a strong, pungent smell often compared to rancid peanuts or cat urine.
Professional removal is advised. Simply cutting it down causes it to vigorously resprout. Effective control usually requires herbicide application to the freshly cut stump or to the bark via specific methods, followed by monitoring for root suckers for several years.
A fast-growing deciduous tree (Ailanthus altissima), originally from Asia, known for its height, long compound leaves, and foul-smelling flowers.
Tree of heaven is usually technical (botany/horticulture), environmental science, regional/colloquial (where invasive). in register.
Tree of heaven: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtriː əv ˈhevn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtri əv ˈhɛvən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None specific to this term. It is a fixed botanical name.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a tree that grows so fast and smells so bad it seems to think it belongs in heaven, but it's actually a hellish problem for gardeners.
Conceptual Metaphor
INVASION AS DISEASE / UNWANTED GUEST (The tree is described as 'infesting' areas and 'colonizing' landscapes.)
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary reason the tree of heaven is problematic in non-native regions?