Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)/Ailanthus, or Ailantus

AILANTHUS, or AILANTUS, a genus of plants belonging to the order of simarubaceæ. The glandulosa, called tree of heaven or Chinese sumach, a native of Mongolia and Japan, has very large, unequally pinnate leaves and unpleasant-smelling flowers. In Japan it affords nourishment to a fine silkworm. The silk produced is coarser, but more durable than mulberry silk. It was first brought to the United States in 1784. During the first half-dozen years it outstrips almost any other deciduous tree in vigor of growth, and leading stems grow 12 to 15 feet in a single season. In four or five years, therefore, it forms a bulky head, but after that period it advances more slowly. In the United States it is planted purely for ornament; but in Europe its wood has been applied to cabinet work.