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.
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