(Simaroubaceae)

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Tree-of-Heaven (Ailanthus altissima)

A non-native species, Trees-of-Heaven are aggressive colonizers and spreaders given adequate moisture. All parts of the tree, including the pinnate leaves, smell nut-like (try crushing a leaf under your nose). The seeds are enclosed in winged structures, samaras, that aid in seed dispersion. The bright color of young samaras should help you clinch your ID, but even the dried ones are distinctive.