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Home , Ailanthus altissima, Lumbricus terrestris, Metcalfa pruinosa

Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial & Pests Center New Species Evaluation

Ailanthus altissima (Miller) Swingle (Tree of heaven)

Evaluated: A.C. Morey; Reviewed: R.C. Venette (12/11/19)

OVERVIEW:

Common names: Tree of heaven, stinking , Chinese sumac, varnish tree, Stink tree, , copal tree, paradise tree Synonyms: Ailanthus glandulosa Desf.

Ailanthus altissima is a tree of the mostly tropical Quassia family (). Both the common name (tree-of-heaven) and the scientific name (Ailanthus, sky-tree) refer to the species' rapid ability to attain height. Native to northern and central , it has become invasive on all continents except Antarctica. It was brought to the in the late 1700s as an ornamental because of a recognized tolerance to stressful urban growing conditions. Its primary occurrence and distribution are in cities and other disturbed sites, such as agricultural fields and transportation corridors. However, in it has also moved into forested regions, indicating it is no longer confined to urban areas and roadsides. The species occurs in 41 of the contiguous United States, but appears to have not yet established/spread within Minnesota.

ARRIVAL

Proximity to Minnesota: VERY HIGH

RANKING Very High Pest is known to occur in Minnesota Pest occurs in Wisconsin, , South Dakota, North Dakota, Manitoba or High Medium Pest occurs in North America Low Pest is not known to occur in North America

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Ailanthus has been documented in two MN counties (twice in Ramsey and once in Houston Co.) (EDDMapS 2019). It was listed as a Restricted Noxious in 2016 by the MN Dept. of Agriculture (MDA 2019a) which is for detrimental species distributed in the state and whose only feasible means of control is prohibition of their importation, sale, and transportation. It is considered an “early detection species” by the MN Dept. of Natural Resources, which is for species not present or with a limited distribution in the state (MN-DNR 2019b).

In North America, it is distributed from British Columbia, southern Ontario and Quebec, and Maine south to , , southern , and Mexico. It is frequently found in the upper Midwest. It is weakly invasive in the middle and southern (Fryer 2010).

Existence of Pathways: HIGH

RANKING High Pathways for arrival of the pest in Minnesota are known to occur Pathways for the arrival of the pest in Minnesota are conceivable, but not Medium known to occur Low Pathways for arrival of the pest in Minnesota are difficult to conceive

There have been three documented A. altissima occurrences in Minnesota since 2012, one along a roadside and two in private landscaping beds (EDDMapS 2019), confirming that pathways for arrival to Minnesota exist. As two documentations were in private landscape settings, it is likely that an arrival pathway was through intentional human planting.

Though it is considered noxious and regulated in multiple states, A. altissima is still readily available as an ornamental , with and plants sold through many online sources (e.g., etsy.com, amazon.com, sheffields.com, bonanza.com, ecrater.com, ebluejay.com).

Innate Dispersal Capacity: LOW RANKING Maximum recorded dispersal >500 km per year (or moves in low level Very High jets/ upper atmosphere) High Maximum recorded dispersal 500-250 km per year Moderate Maximum recorded dispersal 100-250 km per year Maximum recorded dispersal 1-100 km per year (wind dispersal; flowing Moderately Low water) Maximum recorded dispersal <1 km per year (movement through soil; Low splash dispersal)

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The primary method of dispersal for A. altissima seeds is by wind, and wind- dispersed can reportedly travel at least .2 km (Rebbeck et al. 2017). Nearly double that distance has seen following strong storms (Kowarik and Säumel 2007). Ailanthus altissima can also quickly spread via clonal ramets, with reports of root sprouts appearing as far as .12 km from the parent tree (Kowarik and Säumel 2007). Water and machinery are also documented dispersal mechanisms for A. altissima seeds and vegetative fragments (Fryer 2010; Kowarik and Säumel 2008).

ESTABLISHMENT AND PERSISTENCE

Suitability of Minnesota Climate: HIGH

RANKING High >40% of Minnesota is predicted to be suitable Medium >20 to 40% of Minnesota is predicted to be suitable Low >0 to 20% of Minnesota is predicted to be suitable Negligible No part of Minnesota is suitable

Ailanthus altissima is stated to occur in USDA plant hardiness zones 4-8, purportedly tolerating temperatures of -38°F (-39°C) to 110°F (45°C) (Fryer 2010). As such, more than 50% of Minnesota is potentially suitable based on temperature (USDA-ARS 2012).

However, a model based on temperature, precipitation, and topographic variables associated with the distribution of A. altissima in China and the US forecast all of Minnesota to be unsuitable (Albright et al. 2010). Further, the current established distribution in the United States (EDDMapS 2019) occurs in areas of Zone 5a or warmer.

Presence of Hosts: HIGH

RANKING High >10% of Minnesota with suitable hosts (or habitat for ) Medium >1 to 10% of Minnesota with suitable hosts (or habitat for weeds) Low >0 to 1% of Minnesota with suitable hosts (or habitat for weeds) Negligible 0% of Minnesota with suitable hosts (or habitat for weeds)

Ailanthus altissima predominantly grows in disturbed areas, such as agricultural fields, urban environments, and forests and river banks (Fryer 2010; Sladonja, Sušek, and Guillermic 2015; Kowarik and Säumel 2007). In 2000, about 5% of Minnesota was estimated as urban or community land (Nowak and Green 2010) and in 2018, about 45% was in agricultural use (25,500,000 acres) (USDA-NASS 2019).

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Hybridization/Host Shift: LOW

RANKING High Species reported to hybridize or has undergone a documented host shift Medium Species in the same genus have been reported to hybridize/shift hosts Low Hybridization/Host shifts have not been reported for this genus or species

No documentation of hybridization of this species of genus was found.

SPREAD

Existence of Pathways: MEDIUM

RANKING High Pathways for arrival of the pest in Minnesota are known to occur Pathways for the arrival of the pest in Minnesota are conceivable, but not Medium known to occur Low Pathways for arrival of the pest in Minnesota are difficult to conceive

Though the sale and propagation of A. altissima in Minnesota is now prohibited (MDA 2019b), pathways of spread within the state are still conceivable given the ease with which it has naturally spread into unmanaged areas in the other states of known occurrence (Fryer 2010). It has been found in two different MN counties in two different environments (roadside and private landscaping) (EDDMapS 2019) which may suggest movement within the state has occurred via escape from managed areas.

Dispersal Capacity-Reproductive Potential: HIGH

RANKING High Annual reproductive potential (r) of pest is >500 descendants per year Medium Annual reproductive potential (r) of pest is 100 to 500 descendants per year Low Annual reproductive potential (r) of pest is <100 descendants per year

Large inter-annual variation and size-dependent effects on seed production of A. altissima have been reported, but a recent study showed that a single tree could produce >1 million seeds annually (Wickert et al. 2017). Seed viability across tree age (between 7-104 years old) was >65% (Wickert et al. 2017). The authors note that few other invasive perennial woody species in the United States have annual seed production that surpasses A. altissima.

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Extent of Invasion: LOW

RANKING Very High >60 countries likely to have established populations of the pest High 30-60 countries likely to have established populations of the pest Moderate 15-29 countries likely to have established populations of the pest Moderately Low 7-14 countries likely to have established populations of the pest Low 1-7 countries likely to have established populations of the pest

Ailanthus altissima has been documented in two Minnesota counties since 2012 (EDDMapS 2019). It is considered to be a USDA Zone 4-8 species (Fryer 2010), which cover all or parts of 79 counties (USDA-ARS 2012). It predominantly grows in disturbed areas, such as agricultural fields and urban environments, which combine, make up about 50% of Minnesota land (see Presence of Hosts). Therefore, the potential extend of A. altissima invasion is unlikely to be limited by suitable climate or landscape.

Based on its current rate of occurrence in the state, -- two counties over the last seven years – in the next 10 years, ~3 additional counties would be likely to have established populations. Similarly, A. altissima has been record in Michigan since 1892 (Reznicek, Voss, and Walters 2011) and is currently recorded in at least 37 (EDDMapS 2019). This is also ~3 new counties every 10 years.

Existence of Vectors: LOW RANKING High Vectored by birds or long distance migrants Medium Vectored by or bats Low Vectored by other mammals Negligible No evidence of any vectors

Rodents and birds (e.g., pine grosbeak and crossbills) have been documented collecting and eating seeds of A. altissima, respectively (Fryer 2010; Kowarik and Säumel 2007). Whether or not this results in viable , however, is unclear.

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IMPACT

Problem Elsewhere: MEDIUM

RANKING High Noted as a problem within its native range and areas where it has invaded Medium Noted as a problem only in areas where it has invaded Low Not reported as a problem elsewhere

Ailanthus altissima has been rated a threat or potential threat in many states and ecological regions in the United States (Fryer 2010; USDA-NRCS 2019). In cities, it can cause problems by damaging the infrastructure and archeological remains with its roots, and can cause allergic reactions, respiratory problems, and skin rashes in humans. In natural environments, its negative impacts include altering the local vegetation structure and compromising the stability (Fryer 2010). It is considered one of the worst invasive plant species in (Sladonja, Sušek, and Guillermic 2015).

Evidence that A. altissima is considered a problem in its native range is lacking. In fact, management is regularly applied against pests of A. altissima in China. The occurrence of numerous herbivores and pathogen natural enemies, and co-evolved plant communities in its native range perhaps mitigate the problems seen in its extensive invaded range (Kok et al. 2008).

Impact to Yields and Marketability: LOW

RANKING High >$5 million Medium $5 million to 0.5 million Low <$0.5 million

Ailanthus altissima can have toxic effects on corn with emergence being inhibited between 10% to 89%, depending on compound concentration (Heisey 1996). However, evidence of in-field harm to corn could not be found, and despite its long- term presence in the United States, evidence of other market loss due to A. altissima is lacking (CABI 2019).

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Costs of Quarantine or Other Mitigation (annual): MEDIUM

RANKING High >$5 million Medium $5 million to 0.5 million Low <$0.5 million

Rebbeck et al. (2017) state that preventing A. altissima from establishing in disturbed sites (e.g., harvested and burned areas) is the most effective and least costly management methods. Currently, this is still feasible in Minnesota due to lack of wide-spread persistent populations.

The Plant Protection division of the MDA spent an estimated $685K in 2017-2018 on inspecting and certifying nursery dealers and growers to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive plants in Minnesota. Additionally, $200K was spent to assist counties and townships with the implementation of the law (under which A. altissima is currently regulated) (Wohlman 2017). Other agencies, such as the MN Department of Transportation and MN Department of Natural Resources are also involved in noxious weed monitoring and could be assumed to invest similar amounts. For example, the DNR reported $174K in expenditures on managing/control of terrestrial in FY 2018 (MN-DNR 2018). It is difficult to estimate the additional cost a new species would add to such programs already in place, so the full program costs are used to represent impact.

Impacts to Recreation or Real Estate (annual): HIGH

RANKING High >$5 million Medium $5 million to 0.5 million Low <$0.5 million None $0

The damage to invaded urban structures and environments from A. altissima is potentially severe (Fryer 2010). An assessment in identified 35 different types of A. altissima damage in non-crop areas encompassing functional, environmental, health and safety, and aesthetic problems (Casella and Vurro 2013). This included damage to buildings, foundations, and water facilities, but translations to economic loss were not provided. A study in during 2005/2007, however, found that uncontrolled A. altissima in the state of Hesse cost 5 million €/year (roughly 5.6 million USD under current exchange rates) (Luz-Lezcano Caceres and Gerold 2009), which was predominantly from root damage to foundations, water channels, railroads, and pavement. Hesse is ~8,000mi2, which is less than 10% of the area of Minnesota.

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Consequences to Native Species (Score): 3

References are only needed for the “worst case” situation.

RANKING Could reasonably be expected to affect federally listed Threatened and 5 Endangered Species Could directly, negatively impact pollinator 4 Causes local loss of native species 4 Lowers density of native species 3 Infection to native fauna or flora 2 Consumes native fauna or flora 2 Production of toxic substances including allelochemicals 2 Forms dense thickets or grows as a vine 2 Host for recognized pathogens/parasites of native species 1 None of the above apply 0

Roots, stems, and exudates of A. altissima produce allelopathic chemicals that have demonstrated negative effects (in some cases “extremely toxic”) on over 35 species of hardwoods and 34 species of (Landenberger, Kota, and McGraw 2007; Mergen 1959; Vila et al. 2006). Many of these negatively impacted tree species are native to Minnesota (MN-DNR 2019a). The allelopathic compounds are also known to have strong herbicidal, insecticidal, and nematocidal effects (Heisey 1996), which could also negatively impact native species in these taxonomic groups (e.g., (Small, White, and Hargbol 2010)).

In natural , it will establish dense monocultures that outcompete native species (MDA 2019b).

Consequences to Ecosystem Services (Score): 2

RANKING Modification of , sediments, nutrient cycling Alteration of genetic resources Alteration of biological control Changes in pollination services Alteration of erosion regimes Affects hydrology or water quality (includes effects of management) Creates a fire hazard Interferes with carbon sequestration

Ailanthus altissima produces allelopathic chemicals and can significantly alter soil chemistry (Vila et al. 2006). Currently, the most effective control measures for A. altissima are systemic , such as triclopyr, glyphosate, dicamba, imazapyr, and methsulfuron methyl (Fryer 2010), the use of which can negatively impact water quality if not managed properly. injection to control A. altissima has been

8 | A. altissima shown to translocate to neighboring, non-target trees and cause mortality (Lewis and McCarthy 2008).

Of note, A. altissima is suggested to provide ecosystem services, including multiple examples in the “provisioning”, “regulating”, and “cultural supporting” categories defined by the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (see Sladonja et al. (2015) for review).

Facilitate Other Invasions: HIGH

Invasion by the organism could lead to invasions of other species.

RANKING High The invasive species has facilitated invasions elsewhere The invasive species is a plant or that could reasonably be expected Medium to be a host or vector of another invasive species The species has not been reported to facilitate invasion elsewhere and is Low not likely to directly aid in the invasion of other species

Ailanthus altissima is a preferred host of the invasive (Lycorma delicatula) (Dara, Barringer, and Arthurs 2015). Though not the only host of this invasive insect, A. altissima’s presence on the landscape may significantly enable the persistence and spread of the insect.

One study suggests that A. altissima may facilitate the invasion of other non-native plant species in a manipulated field trial (Small, White, and Hargbol 2010). A greenhouse study found nonnative ( terrestris) preferred A. altissima litter to that of native yellow poplar (Belote and Jones 2009). Both of these studies were in controlled systems and the extent to which invasion is facilitated in natural settings is not clear.

In Europe, A. altissima has been implicated in facilitating the invasion of two insects from North America, a ( pruinosa) and butterfly (Hyphantria cunea), that have both become pests in multiple European countries (Sladonja, Sušek, and Guillermic 2015).

REFERENCES

Albright, Thomas P., Hao Chen, Lijun Chen, and Qinfeng Guo. 2010. “The Ecological Niche and Reciprocal Prediction of the Disjunct Distribution of an Invasive Species: The Example of Ailanthus Altissima.” Biological Invasions 12 (8): 2413–27. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-009-9652-8. Belote, R. Travis, and Robert H. Jones. 2009. “Tree Leaf Litter Composition and Nonnative Earthworms Influence Plant Invasion in Experimental Forest Floor Mesocosms.” Biological Invasions 11 (4): 1045–52.

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https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-008-9315-1. CABI, CAB International. 2019. “Datasheet: Ailanthus Altissima (Tree-of-Heaven).” Invasive Species Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. 2019. https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/3889#tosummaryOfInvasiveness. Casella, Francesca, and Maurizio Vurro. 2013. “Ailanthus Altissima (Tree of Heaven): Spread and Harmfulness in a Case-Study Urban Area.” Arboricultural Journal 35 (3): 172–81. https://doi.org/10.1080/03071375.2013.852352. Dara, Surendra K., Lawrence Barringer, and Steven P. Arthurs. 2015. “Lycorma Delicatula (: Fulgoridae): A New Invasive Pest in the United States.” Journal of Integrated Pest Management 6 (1): 20. https://doi.org/10.1093/jipm/pmv021. EDDMapS, Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System. 2019. “Tree-of-Heaven, Ailanthus Altissima (P. Mill.) Swingle.” The University of Georgia - Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health. https://www.eddmaps.org/distribution/usstate.cfm?sub=3003. Fryer, Janet L. 2010. “Ailanthus Altissima.” USDA-FS, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory, Fire Effects Information System. https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/ailalt/all.html#140. Heisey, Rod M. 1996. “Identification of an Allelopathic Compound from Ailanthus Altissima (Simaroubaceae) and Characterization of Its Herbicidal Activity.” American Journal of Botany 83 (2): 192–200. https://www.jstor.org/stable/2445938. Kok, L.T., S.M. Salom, S. Yan, N.J. Herrick, and T.J. McAvoy. 2008. “Quarantine Evaluation of Eucryptorrhynchus Brandti (Harold) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), a Potential Biological Control Agent of Tree of Heaven, Ailanthus Altissima, in , USA.” In Proceedings of the XII International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds, edited by M.H. Julien, Rene Sforza, M.C. Bon, H.C. Evans, and P.E. Hatcher, 292–300. CAB International. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=Yh48Pl371GAC&oi=fnd&pg=PA2 92&dq=ailanthus+altissima+status+china+management&ots=vLPox5b3gT&sig=pU zeYevrayjK07bB5wuoCvR5R7E#v=onepage&q=ailanthus altissima status china management&f=false. Kowarik, Ingo, and Ina Säumel. 2007. “Biological Flora of Central Europe: Ailanthus Altissima (Mill.) Swingle.” Perspectives in Plant Ecology, Evolution and Systematics 8 (4): 207–37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ppees.2007.03.002. ———. 2008. “Water Dispersal as an Additional Pathway to Invasions by the Primarily Wind-Dispersed Tree Ailanthus Altissima.” Plant Ecology 198 (2): 241–52. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11258-008-9398-x. Landenberger, Rick E., Nathan L. Kota, and James B. McGraw. 2007. “Seed Dispersal of the Non-Native Invasive Tree Ailanthus Altissima into Contrasting Environments.” Plant Ecology 192 (1): 55–70. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11258- 006-9226-0. Lewis, Kevin, and Brian McCarthy. 2008. “Nontarget Tree Mortality after Tree-of- Heaven (Ailanthus Altissima) Injection with Imazapyr.” Northern Journal of Applied Forestry 25 (2): 66–72. https://doi.org/10.1093/njaf/25.2.66. Luz-Lezcano Caceres, Hilda, and Gerhard Gerold. 2009. “The Costs of Invasion Control Measures Subtropical Ailanthus Altissima in Hesse.” In Conference on International Research on Food Security, Natural Resource Management and Rural Development, 1–5. Hamburg, Germany: Tropentag. http://www.researchgate.net/publication/258821497_The_Cost_of_Invasion_Co

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ntrol_Measures_Subtropical_Ailanthus_altissima_(Mill)_Swingle_in_Hesse/file/3d eec529021b5022c4.pdf. MDA, Minnesota Department of Agriculture. 2019a. “Minnesota Noxious Weed List.” Noxious and Invasive Weed Program. 2019. https://www.mda.state.mn.us/plants-insects/minnesota-noxious-weed-list. ———. 2019b. “Tree of Heaven.” 2019. https://www.mda.state.mn.us/plants/pestmanagement/weedcontrol/noxiousl ist/treeofheaven. Mergen, Francois. 1959. “A Toxic Principle in the of Ailanthus.” Botanical Gazette 121 (1): 32–36. https://www.jstor.org/stable/2473114. MN-DNR, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. 2018. “Invasive Species Program, Invasive Species of Aquatic Plants and Wild in Minnesota; Annual Report for 2018.” St. Paul, MN. ———. 2019a. “Minnesota Native Trees.” Plants of Minnesota. https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/trees/index.html. ———. 2019b. “Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus Altissima) - Early Detection Species.” Invasive Terrestrial Plants. 2019. https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrialplants/treeofheaven.html. Nowak, David J., and Eric J. Green. 2010. “Urban and Community Forests of the North Central West Region (General Technical Report NRS-56).” Newton Square, PA. Rebbeck, Joanne, Todd Hutchinson, Louis Iverson, Daniel Yaussy, and Timothy Fox. 2017. “Distribution and Demographics of Ailanthus Altissima in an Forest Landscape Managed with Timber Harvesting and Prescribed Fire.” Forest Ecology and Management 401 (October): 233–41. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2017.06.050. Reznicek, A.A., E.G. Voss, and B.S. Walters. 2011. “Ailanthus Altissima (Mill.) Swingle.” Michigan Flora Online, University of Michigan. 2011. https://www.michiganflora.net/species.aspx?id=2686. Sladonja, Barbara, Marta Sušek, and Julia Guillermic. 2015. “Review on Invasive Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus Altissima (Mill.) Swingle) Conflicting Values: Assessment of Its Ecosystem Services and Potential Biological Threat.” Environmental Management 56 (4): 1009–34. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-015-0546-5. Small, Christine J., Darrell C. White, and Breanna Hargbol. 2010. “Allelopathic Influences of the Invasive Ailanthus Altissima on a Native and a Non-Native Herb.” Journal of Torrey Botanical Society 137 (4): 366–72. https://www.jstor.org/stable/25790857. USDA-ARS, United States Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service. 2012. “USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.” 2012. https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/. USDA-NASS, United States Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service. 2019. “2018 State Agriculture Overview - Minnesota.” Statistics by State - Agriculture Overview. 2019. https://www.nass.usda.gov/Quick_Stats/Ag_Overview/stateOverview.php?stat e=MINNESOTA. USDA-NRCS, United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2019. “Plant Profile: Ailanthus Altissima (Mill.) Swingle, Tree of Heaven.” Plants Database. 2019. https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=AIAL. Vila, Montserrat, Marc Tessier, Carey M. Suehs, Giuseppe Brundu, Luisa Carta, Alexandros Galanidis, Philip Lambdon, et al. 2006. “Local and Regional

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Assessments of the Impacts of Plant Invaders on Vegetation Structure and Soil Properties of Mediterranean Islands.” Journal of Biogeography 33 (5): 853–61. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2699.2005.01430.x. Wickert, Kristen L., Eric S. O’Neal, Donald D. Davis, and Matthew T. Kasson. 2017. “Seed Production, Viability, and Reproductive Limits of the Invasive Ailanthus Altissima (Tree-of-Heaven) within Invaded Environments.” Forests 8 (7): 226. https://doi.org/10.3390/f8070226. Wohlman, Matthew. 2017. “Minnesota Department of Agriculture, House Committee on Agriculture Finance.” St. Paul, MN. https://www.senate.mn/committees/2017- 2018/3088_Committee_on_Agriculture_Rural_Development_and_Housing_Finan ce/2017 MDA Budget Presentation 1-30-17 mh.pdf.

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