Ailanthus
Ailanthus (Latin: Ailanthus) is a genus of deciduous trees in the Simaroubaceae family. Representatives of the genus are found in Southern and Eastern Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Cultural Characteristics
Ailanthus is a fast-growing deciduous tree with an ovoid crown and a trunk covered with gray-brown, furrowed bark. The compound, odd-pinnate leaves consist of 13-40 leaflets arranged alternately. When unfurling, the leaves emit a rather unpleasant odor. The flowers are small, five- or six-petaled, unisexual, and gathered in paniculate inflorescences. The fruits are aggregates, consisting of 1-6 oblong-shaped samaras. The seeds are located singly in the center of the samara. Common Species
*Ailanthus altissima, or Chinese ash (Latin: Ailanthus altissima), is a species of trees ranging in height from 10 to 25 meters. The trunk is slender and cylindrical. The crown of young trees is broadly pyramidal, while that of mature trees is tent-shaped and spreading. The leaves are compound, palmate, and fairly large, up to 60-70 cm long. They consist of 13-25 ovate-lanceolate leaflets and have an unpleasant odor. The flowers are small, bisexual and male, yellowish-green, and borne in large paniculate inflorescences. Ailanthus altissima is a fast-growing species, reaching a height of 4-6 meters in 5 years. This sun-loving species is undemanding of soil conditions, easily growing in sandy, gravelly, rocky, and even saline soils. It has a more decorative appearance when grown in moist, deep, loamy soils. It is drought-resistant, but not frost-resistant, and cannot tolerate temperatures belo w-20°C. At temperatures o f-25°C, shoots are severely damaged by freezing, but quickly recover with the onset of warmer weather.
*Ailanthus excelsa (Latin: Ailanthus excelsa) is a species represented by trees up to 25 m tall with a strong, branched trunk covered with grayish-brown bark. The leaves are twisted, up to 30 cm long, and have coarse veins. The flowers are small, green, and gathered in panicles. Ailanthus triphylla is propagated primarily by seed.
*Ailanthus triphylla (Latin: Ailanthus triphylla) is a species represented by tall trees up to 30 m tall with a slender, strong trunk. The leaves are sickle-shaped, opposite, up to 12 cm long, and the underside is pubescent. The flowers are small, greenish, and, like other members of the genus, are gathered in paniculate inflorescences.
Reproduction
Ailanthus is propagated by seeds, root suckers and grafting. The seeds remain viable for 1. 5-2 years; they are stored in paper bags or burlap in a dry, well-ventilated area. Germination is average, reaches 50%. Before sowing, the seeds are pre-treated: they are soaked in warm water for 24-36 hours. Ailanthus is sown in early spring or autumn. The embedment depth is 2-3 cm.
The seed method is quite lengthy and painstaking; you cannot be sure that most of the seeds will sprout. You should also not hope for strong and healthy trees, because seedlings need careful care. Ailanthus shoots appear in 3-4 weeks. It’s hard to imagine, but under optimal conditions, plants can grow up to 3 m.
The soil for the crop is prepared in advance: it is carefully dug up, removing weeds, rotted manure, mineral fertilizers and wood ash are added. It should be remembered that ailanthus has a negative attitude towards transplantation; it does not adapt well to new soil and completely different lighting, therefore, when planting seedlings and saplings, this fact must be taken into account.
Care
Water ailanthus moderately and regularly. It is recommended to use only warm water for irrigation. The use of cold water can have a detrimental effect on the development of the crop. Once every six months the tree trunk area is dug. Ailanthus has a positive attitude towards fertilizing. The first feeding is carried out in the spring during the snow melt, using organic matter and mineral fertilizers, the second — in the summer or late autumn. Mulching the tree trunk area for the winter is mandatory. Tree trunks should also be protected from rodent attacks.
Application
Ailant is used for landscaping personal plots, alleys and city parks. They look harmonious both in a single copy and in groups. Ailanthus wood is used for making paper and various carpentry products. Flowers, fruits and young shoots are used in folk medicine. The bark of some species is used to get rid of worms and some intestinal diseases.
Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle
