Can anyone identify this plant that started growing in my driveway? Its got a pretty cool prehistoric look, woody stem. Location: Central New Jersey

Identified ✔
Can anyone identify this plant that started growing in my driveway? Its got a pretty cool prehistoric look, woody stem. Location: Central New Jersey

Posted Sep 12, 2021, 3:55 PM UTC

314
Marlow303•

Looks like the Tree of Heaven

6
moolofOP•

Oh it does look like that. And yikes:

Tree of Heaven is a problem because it reproduces very quickly and aggressively. It produces a staggering number of seeds and spreads by its roots to create dense thickets that crowd out native plants.

Additionally, it secretes a chemical into the soil that is toxic to surrounding plants and changes soil biology. Its aggressive root system can cause damage to pavement, sewers and building foundations...

Homeowners should NOT attempt to remove Tree of Heaven without consulting with a New Jersey tree expert. Exposure to plant parts and sap can be hazardous and if this plant is simply chopped down; it will re-sprout aggressively from its vast root system, making matters far worse.

Thanks for your help!!!

3
Battzilla•

Should be renamed tree of hell

5
moolofOP•

Apparently!!!

1
Marlow303•

No problem and good luck. I have them on my property in Colorado. Several are mature and provide great shade but they are a pain!!! Like the info you posted, they continually shoot up new little trees everywhere and every year I am pulling up the little sprouts to keep them from growing.

3
dottibug•

Yikes indeed! But geez, what a beautiful looking plant.

2
moolofOP•

I know - I was going to keep it but now I jave to deal with it!

2
Pjonesnm•

Kill it before it grows!

5
InSaneWhiSper•

I thought this was sumac

2
moolofOP•

Oh I can see that too... Oh god these things look identical.

2
InSaneWhiSper•

I read that sumac has serrated leaves. If that's the case, I have the tree of heaven all over my backyard. Ugh

3
moolofOP•

https://bygl.osu.edu/node/1346 Mine hasnt flowered so I'm not sure...

3
InSaneWhiSper•

That's exactly what I just read. Thanks

2
rorschachmah•

Highly invasive, remove from roots whenever u come across it! Tree of Heaven

2