Ailanthus, tree of the gods, tree of heaven, stinking sumac, Chinese sumac, lacquer tree, copal tree, tree of paradise: The tree (Ailanthus altissima) has many names, has spread from north-eastern and central China across the temperate climate zones almost all over the world and is largely controlled as a neophyte because of its great invasive vigor. Around 1740, the tree was introduced to France by Jesuits as a park tree and has since spread widely, as it grows very quickly and cuts a fine figure as an ornamental tree. Due to its great height growth, in the first and second year after germination it can have a shoot growth of one to two meters, which is why it is often referred to as a tree of heaven or a 'tree (growing) to the gods'. Older specimens reach heights of around 25 - 30 meters, and their trunks can often be significantly thicker than 1 meter.
Its moderately hard and heavy wood is similar to that of ash, it has an open-pored texture and the color is pale golden-brown with a slight sheen on smooth surfaces, sometimes with lighter yellowish or olive streaks. It is easy to work with hand and machine tools and is good for turning, gluing, staining and varnishing.
