tree of heaven
noun phrase
: a Chinese ailanthus (Ailanthus altissima synonym A. glandulosa) that has foliage similar to that of the sumacs, has ill-scented staminate flowers, and is grown as a shade and ornamental tree
Examples of tree of heaven in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
One of the easiest ways to distinguish a tree of heaven from look-a-likes are the small notches, or teeth, found at the base of each leaf.
—
Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 24 Sep. 2025
As with grapes, lanternfly swarms can kill the invasive plant–but the tree of heaven is a pest in its own right and nothing native depends on it.
—Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 4 July 2024
These bugs prefer to lay eggs on the tree of heaven, but the egg masses can also be found on cars, outdoor furniture, and other types of trees.
—Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 25 June 2024
Another invasive plant, tree of heaven, attracts the Japanese lantern fly, an invasive insect that has been spreading into Connecticut and destroying trees and crops.
—Ed Stannard, Hartford Courant, 3 June 2024
The tree of heaven, for instance, is a preferred home from the fly’s native range, but it’s not always guaranteed to land on that plant.
—Catherine Duncan, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Mar. 2024
Researchers knew the insects could feed on more than 70 types of plants in addition to their primary food, the tree of heaven.
—Nala Rogers, Popular Mechanics, 9 Aug. 2023
The one here for tree of heaven is fairly comprehensive and might look overwhelming at first.
—oregonlive, 15 July 2023
They are known to feed on over 70 plant species, including black walnut, red maple and tree of heaven.
—Christine Condon, Baltimore Sun, 26 June 2023
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Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 24 Sep. 2025
As with grapes, lanternfly swarms can kill the invasive plant–but the tree of heaven is a pest in its own right and nothing native depends on it.
—Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 4 July 2024
These bugs prefer to lay eggs on the tree of heaven, but the egg masses can also be found on cars, outdoor furniture, and other types of trees.
—Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 25 June 2024
Another invasive plant, tree of heaven, attracts the Japanese lantern fly, an invasive insect that has been spreading into Connecticut and destroying trees and crops.
—Ed Stannard, Hartford Courant, 3 June 2024
The tree of heaven, for instance, is a preferred home from the fly’s native range, but it’s not always guaranteed to land on that plant.
—Catherine Duncan, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Mar. 2024
Researchers knew the insects could feed on more than 70 types of plants in addition to their primary food, the tree of heaven.
—Nala Rogers, Popular Mechanics, 9 Aug. 2023
The one here for tree of heaven is fairly comprehensive and might look overwhelming at first.
—oregonlive, 15 July 2023
They are known to feed on over 70 plant species, including black walnut, red maple and tree of heaven.
—Christine Condon, Baltimore Sun, 26 June 2023
Cite this Entry
“Tree of heaven.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tree%20of%20heaven. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
tree of heaven
noun
tree of heav·en
-ˈhev-ən 
: an Asian tree of the genus Ailanthus (A. glandulosa) widely grown as a shade and ornamental tree and having bark that has been used as a tonic, purgative, and anthelmintic
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