Plant of the Day
Thursday 20 November 2025
This specimen of the deciduous tree Ailanthus altissima (tree of heaven, false varnish tree, Japan varnish tree, tree of the gods) is being pruned annually to a main stem so resulting in very large pinnate leaves as the major display value. This species is listed on Schedule 9 of the United Kingdom (UK) Wildlife & Countryside Act as an invasive, non-native plant and is banned from sale. Across the European Union, UK and Northern Ireland it is an offence to plant or cause this species to grow in the wild. The plant often produces suckers and female plants will produce red, winged fruits, so gardeners growing them should undertake measures to control them.
Jill Raggett










