I took this picture August 19 while walking where I used to used to work before I went fully remote in 2020.
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| Tree of Heaven |
This tree was not a heavenly find, despite its name.
This is a Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima). If you ever read the novel A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, this was the tree written about. It originated in China and it was first brought over to Europe in the 1740's (according to Wikipedia). Then, it was subsequently brought here as a desired nursery tree. It was also extensively planted as a street tree, because it is long lived and almost indestructible.
This tree commonly lives for 50-100 years and rapidly reproduces with suckers.
Now, in our times, it is also a host for the spotted lanternfly, a pest that originated in China and which is posing a danger to New York's grape crops, among other crops.
The Tree of Heaven (ironically named because it - well, it stinks) never used to be common in the area of New York State where I live but I increasingly see it.
I would say that is not too heavenly.
Joining Sandee at Comedy Plus for her #WordlessWednesday.
We had one in our front yard when I was growing up. It eventually was removed. There is a rather strange neighbor living near me and it looks like he may have planted one in his yard. As if we don't have enough trouble with buckthorn.
ReplyDeleteOh, dear - yet another example of an ill-conceived introduced species. Worrying for the grape farmers.
ReplyDeleteEven it's not too heavenly, but it looks impressive and probably protect the apartments from light.
ReplyDeleteHappy WW, Alana! A fine week!❤️😘
...I must humbly say that I'm fond of it.
ReplyDeleteAlways something to contend with ~ still it looks good ~
ReplyDeletean artist reflects
I don't want this tree. I don't like stinky trees.
ReplyDeleteThank you for joining the Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.
Have a fabulous Wordless Wednesday. ♥
Such an ironic name for a problem tree! I hope the lantern flys don't get out of hand.
ReplyDeleteThey seem to be everywhere. The spotted lanternfly is quite a beautiful pest.
ReplyDeleteNot a tree that we typically see where I live in Southeast Texas and it sounds like that is a good thing.
ReplyDeleteThat is a very big tree and must block out a lot of light to those homes. It rarely works well when something is introduced from another country, be it flora or fauna.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know they were stinky.
ReplyDeleteI know about invasive trees. The mimosa (pink feathery like blooms) is will totally take over your yard and to think when we first moved into this house I liked them. Not anymore! I don't know what other problems this tree causes but I think nothing like the one in your area. Thanks for the factoids. I do like the name of the tree but honestly I don't see anything especially pretty about it to call it "heavenly". :)
ReplyDeleteIt's pretty, but I understand what a mess such pretty can make.
ReplyDeleteIt is pretty.
ReplyDelete