ailanthus
/eɪˈlanθəs
/noun
A tall large-leaved deciduous tree grown as an ornamental or shade tree. Native to Asia and Australasia, it has been naturalized in North America and Europe.
- Genus Ailanthus, family Simaroubaceae: several species, in particular the tree of heaven.
- Barberry, knotweed, ailanthus, and the brilliant Euonymus known as burning bush are just some of the horticultural immigrants that continue to out-compete many of our indigenous species.
- There won't even be an ailanthus tree and a broken fountain in the back yard.
Origin
Modern Latin, from French ailante, from Ambonese ailanto, literally 'tree of heaven' (the ending being influenced by names ending with -anthus, from Greek anthos 'flower').