Color/Appearance: Ranges from a pale yellow to light brown, sometimes with brighter yellowish or olive-hued streaks. Overall appearance is similar to ash. Grain/Texture: Has an open, porous texture and a moderate natural luster. Rot Resistance: No data available; reported to have good insect resistance. Workability: Easy to work with hand and machine tools. Turns, glues, stains, and finishes well. Odor: No characteristic odor. Allergies/Toxicity: Ailanthus has been reported to cause skin irritation. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicityand Wood Dust Safetyfor more information. Pricing/Availability: No data available. Sustainability: This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. In many locations it’s considered to be an invasive or pest species. Common Uses: Cabinetry, turned objects, and paper (pulpwood). Comments: Once viewed as an honored ornamental tree in China, resulting in it becoming widely naturalized throughout much of the world during the 19th century. Today, ailanthus’ quick growth and hardiness have proved to be overwhelming for many ecosystems, and it is widely viewed as an invasive species. The tree is commonly called tree of heaven—from the Ambonese word aylanto (rendered ailanthus in Latin). The name is in reference to the great heights of the tree (helped by a very robust grow rate). One Ailanthus species native to Melasia, Ailanthus integrifolia, can reach heights up to 200 feet (60 meters) and may be the original source for the common name, aylanto—tree of heaven. |