Crushed leaves and stems emit a strong, unpleasant smell often compared to rancid peanut butter or "stink tree".
Female trees produce large clusters of "samaras" (twisted, papery wings) that turn from yellow-green to reddish-pink in late summer and can persist through winter. Ecological & Infrastructure Risks Tree of Heaven | (Ailanthus altissima) - Wisconsin DNR ailanthus altissima
Large, pinnately compound leaves (1–4 feet long) with 10–41 leaflets. Leaflets have smooth edges except for 1–2 small "teeth" at the base. Crushed leaves and stems emit a strong, unpleasant