ailanthus
Tree of heaven
Ailanthus is a fast-growing tree native to China, commonly called the tree of heaven.
It thrives in urban environments and poor soil, spreading aggressively through root sprouts and prolific seeds.
Once planted as an ornamental, it's now considered invasive in much of North America: Ailanthus grows from every crack in the sidewalk.
Sheds foliage seasonally
- compound leavesLeaf with distinct leaflets
- pinnateHaving paired lateral parts
- samaraWinged botanical dispersal unit
- winged seedSeed with aerodynamic appendage
bark · trunk · canopy · branch · dioecious · glandular · serrated · leaflet
Hostile and confrontational
- spreadTo distribute widely
- colonizeEstablish control over territory
- infestationPest takeover situation
- displaceRemove from proper position
weed · outcompete · encroach · proliferate · dominate · overrun · pest · unwanted
Urban corridor's appearance
- sidewalkPaved pedestrian pathway
- vacant lotUnoccupied land parcel
- alleyNarrow way between buildings
- crackNarrow break or attempt
pavement · city · concrete · abandoned · neglected · hardy · opportunistic · gutter
Sharply strong-smelling
- foulOffensive or illegal
- unpleasantCausing discomfort or distaste
- stenchPowerfully offensive odor
- fetidHaving foul odor
rancid · smell · malodorous · rank · skunky · offensive · male flowers · bloom
Ability to endure adversity
- adaptabilityAbility to adjust readily
- survivalRemaining alive against odds
- toughnessResilient durability under strain
- drought-tolerantAble to withstand aridity
fast-growing · regeneration · coppice · tenacious · persistent · recovery · vitality · vigorous
Multi-unit urban dwelling
- immigrantOne who resettles abroad
- symbolismRepresenting concepts through images
- perseveranceSustained resolve despite obstacles
- hopeDesire for good outcomes
adversity · metaphor · resilience · survival · determination
deciduous
Sheds foliage seasonally
- compound leavesLeaf with distinct leaflets
- pinnateHaving paired lateral parts
- samaraWinged botanical dispersal unit
winged seed · bark · trunk · canopy · branch · dioecious · glandular · serrated · leaflet
aggressive
Hostile and confrontational
- spreadTo distribute widely
- colonizeEstablish control over territory
- infestationPest takeover situation
displace · weed · outcompete · encroach · proliferate · dominate · overrun · pest · unwanted · eradicate
streetscape
Urban corridor's appearance
- sidewalkPaved pedestrian pathway
- vacant lotUnoccupied land parcel
- alleyNarrow way between buildings
crack · pavement · city · concrete · abandoned · neglected · hardy · opportunistic · gutter · roadside
pungent
Sharply strong-smelling
- foulOffensive or illegal
- unpleasantCausing discomfort or distaste
- stenchPowerfully offensive odor
fetid · rancid · smell · malodorous · rank · skunky · offensive · male flowers · bloom · summer
hardiness
Ability to endure adversity
- adaptabilityAbility to adjust readily
- survivalRemaining alive against odds
- toughnessResilient durability under strain
drought-tolerant · fast-growing · regeneration · coppice · tenacious · persistent · recovery · vitality · vigorous · thriving
tenement
Multi-unit urban dwelling
- immigrantOne who resettles abroad
- symbolismRepresenting concepts through images
- perseveranceSustained resolve despite obstacles
hope · adversity · metaphor · resilience · survival · determination
ailanthusnative species
Organisms originating in a region
oak · American chestnut · sugar maple · white pine · keystone species
ailanthusornamental tree
Tree grown for aesthetics
Japanese maple · flowering dogwood · magnolia · shade tree · street tree