I tried to grow this a few years ago as I fancied having massive pinnate leaves as part of a tropical effect. The idea is that they need to be stooled to get big lush growth, like you would do to a Pawlonia. Ailanthus - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Sounds lovely - the cat-wee weed. I never got the seeds to germinate, however - perhaps fortunately. Has anyone tried this plant, or got any info?
I have buxus, but I don't notice the cat wee! There's someone in Lithuania flogging the seeds on Ebay. This is what he says. "DESCRIPTION: Those who know this tree know it is anything but heavenly. Tree-of-heaven is a pervasive, aggressive, fast-growing weed tree with an extensive root system that’s notorious for damaging mortar and building foundations. The roots also emit a chemical that reduces growth and seed germination of other plants growing nearby. Tree-of-heaven originates from China and Taiwan, but has become naturalized in temperate areas across the globe. Specimens are weak-wooded, short-lived and develop a broad, arching canopy. The large, compound leaves of this tree are deep green, coarsely ferny and have a malodorous smell reminiscent of burnt rubber and peanut butter. Each leaf can have as many as 25 lance-shaped leaflets. This species is mostly dioecious, which means trees produce either male or female flowers, though some trees may have perfect, or bisexual, flowers. The tiny, greenish yellow flowers bloom in spring or summer, depending on geography, and the male flowers emit a foul odor. Bees, beetles and other insects pollinate the blooms. The females produce massive clusters of papery pink or reddish brown seeds. Thousands of the winged seeds (samaras) are produced and germinate quickly and easily. The brittle stems and trunk are covered with smooth gray bark with lighter gray vertical cracks. This tree grows just about anywhere, so long as the site has full to partial sun and soil that doesn't get too wet. It is dubbed “tree-of-heaven” because it grows well in tough, disturbed, polluted, urban landscapes where most trees won’t. It can withstand compact soil, rocky spots, hot concrete medians and other harsh locations. Refrain from growing tree-of-heaven, or choose seedless male trees that won't spread. Highly invasive in much of the USA at least, in my experience certainly in Illinois and in Boulder, Colorado. Legendary as "the tree that grows in Brooklyn" in the days of extreme urban pollution, ubiquitous in old mining towns in California where Chinese miners introduced it, perhaps for its medicinal value. I would think twice before planting it anywhere." Now, there's a seller whose word I feel i could trust!
When it warms up (Ho Ho!), run your hand vigorously over a box bush. Some people like it, I think it smells of cat!
Its on my Wish list for my Jungle Garden too. (Actually my WishList has it marked "GOT" but if I have one here I can't figure out where I got it from ... but there are loads of plants overwintering in the conservatory so if its there I'll find it in the Spring) Didn't know it is a possibility from seed, I'd be happy to have a go and share/swap if I get lucky I'm also after Melianthus major and Rhus pulvinata Autumn Lace (seen at both Great Dixter and Beth Chatto's gardens) which have similar sorts of leaves.
I've got a melianthus - I grew it from seed, and it's also easy from cuttings. It's been planted outside for some years. It just managed to survive last winter and was looking very perky right through January. It is now looking miserable after having a difficult week! I also have a Rhus but not the lacy one. I still love it anyway. I might order some ailanthus seeds and would love to do a share/swap if they work.
I grew Ailanthus from seed brought back from a holiday some years ago, I'm of the understanding that it doesn't set seed here as the summers are not long enough, or hot enough. It is a weed pest in many warmer countries. I grew it for a while as a stooled plant. 10ft of growth in one season and leaves 3ft long are easily achieved once established. It has surface roots which if damaged by digging around the area, can sucker. I do know of a few large trees that dont sucker, but I think that's because there is no root disturbance. I think is the flowers of box that give it the cat pee smell.
What happened to it in the end? I bring seeds back from holiday, but when the growing season comes round again I've forgotten what they all are. I find them in the pockets of my cag months later!
