Ailanthus
- April 14, 2023
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Ailanthus altissima, commonly known as Tree-of-Heaven, Chinese Sumac, or Stink Tree, is a deciduous tree native to China that has been widely planted and naturalized in many parts of the world. It can grow up to 80 feet tall and 3 feet in diameter, with a straight to wavy grain and a coarse texture. The wood is pale to medium brown with occasional reddish streaks and has a specific gravity of 0.51. It is rated as moderately durable to non-durable in terms of rot resistance.
Ailanthus is generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, but it has a strong, unpleasant odor that can be a problem for some people. It is moderately priced and widely available, and is used for a variety of purposes such as pulpwood, cabinetry, furniture, and flooring. However, it is considered an invasive species in some areas and can cause skin and respiratory irritation in some individuals due to its toxic sap.
| Common Name(s) | Tree-of-Heaven, Chinese Sumac, Stink Tree |
| Scientific Name | Ailanthus altissima |
| Distribution | Native to China, but widely planted and naturalized |
| Tree Size | Can grow up to 80 feet tall and 3 feet in diameter |
| Average Dried Weight | 32 lbs/ft3 (510 kg/m3) |
| Specific Gravity | 0.51 |
| Janka Hardness | 1,390 lbf (6,170 N) |
| Modulus of Rupture | 16,400 lbf/in2 (113.1 MPa) |
| Elastic Modulus | 1,710,000 lbf/in2 (11.8 GPa) |
| Crushing Strength | 7,350 lbf/in2 (50.6 MPa) |
| Shrinkage | Radial: 3.2%, Tangential: 5.8%, Volumetric: 9.2% |
| Color/Appearance | Pale to medium brown with occasional reddish streaks |
| Grain/Texture | Straight to wavy, with a coarse texture |
| Rot Resistance | Rated as moderately durable to non-durable |
| Workability | Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools |
| Odor | Has a strong, unpleasant odor |
| Allergies/Toxicity | Can cause skin and respiratory irritation in some individuals |
| Pricing/Availability | Moderately priced and widely available |
| Sustainability | Considered an invasive species in some areas |
| Common Uses | Pulpwood, cabinetry, furniture, and flooring |
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