The tree can grow in sun or shade, in dry, rocky, or sandy soil and between the cracks in pavement, concrete and asphalt. This allows the tree-of-heaven to grow where few other plants can, especially in urban environments like Lowell. However, it can also easily begin growing in places which are inconvenient to city-dwellers (e.g. the middle of a sidewalk, or between buildings). In the 1800s the tree-of-heaven was used in cities and towns across the nation because of its beautiful leaves and astonishing adaptability, imported from central China. Nowadays, the species is considered invasive because it is non-native and spreads too quickly. |
Last updated: September 26, 2020