Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle, family Simaroubaceae. Tree of Heaven Native to China, now widely planted in Europe and Central America as an ornamental, especially useful in cities. It produces many suckers and seedlings and is often considered something of a weed. Heigh to 30m (100ft). Male and female flowers open in late July on separate trees and look similar from a distance. Female trees produce large bunches of fruits which ripen during August and September. Each winged seed is about 3.7cm (1½in) wide and the bunches often 30cm (12in) across. Leaves can be enormous, up to 1m (3ft) on young vigorous trees. Each leaflet usually has only 1-3 teeth on each side.