Tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima)

Plantae>Magnoliophyta>Magnoliopsida>Sapindales>Simaroubaceae>Ailanthus altissima (P. Mill.) Swingle

	The huge, tropical-looking compound leaves smell a bit like rotting peanut butter. They're vaguely similar in shape to those of walnut or sumac, but once you smell them, you won't mistake them.

	Durham Co., NC 6/27/09.
	Durham Co., NC 6/27/09.
	The samaras (winged fruits), produced in summer, turn yellow to rosy as they ripen. The leaves of mature trees, like this one, don't stink. Durham, NC 8/2/2003.
	Chatham Co., NC 6/28/09.
	Chatham Co., NC 6/28/09.
	Chatham Co., NC 6/28/09.

Bark detail.

Ailanthus is most common in urban and disturbed areas, though it can also be found occasionally in undisturbed forest.

Durham, NC 8/2/2003.