The tree of heaven is a tree that can be found in the Chicago-area. Despite its beautiful and awe-inspiring name, the tree of heaven is classified as an exotic invasive tree that is fast-growing and a deciduous tree. Native to China, it was mistakenly introduced to Europe when someone mistook it for a different kind of tree. From there, it was introduced to America as an ornamental tree in Philadelphia in 1784. It gained popularity for the fact it would grow quickly and provide shade. During this time, trees were not labeled as invasive or considered as such, as the ramifications were just not realized.

The tree of heaven is so pervasive due to the marketing of it. After all, who wouldn’t want to plant a tree named tree of heaven. Before the invention of air conditioning in 1902, trees were instead used to produce a cooling effect for homes and businesses. Hence, a tree that was marketed as a fast-growing shade tree was very desirable for people’s gardens. It was only in the early 1900s that people’s opinion of the tree of heaven turned, when its prolificness and weedy nature became a problem. Plus, its stems and leaves have a unique odor that turn many people off. Now, no new trees are rarely planted, and the tree of heaven is classified as a tree to be avoided.