Here’s what you need to know about these problematic plants, writes Master Gardener Laura Simpson.
The tree of heaven is native to China but has become an invasive tree here in the United States. in the United States. It can be found all over California and can grow just about anywhere. It’s been found in cities, agricultural areas, riverbanks, and even along railroad tracks. It can grow 3-6 feet per year and can produce extremely large quantities of seeds within 2-3 years. Its roots produce a compound that kills any other plants nearby , so it easily takes over by killing its competition.
The tree of heaven has very large compound leaves with smooth-edged leaflets, giving it an exotic appearance. The bark is green on young trees but becomes gray and smooth with a webbed appearance in maturity. Female trees produce many winged papery seed pods that can be red, yellow, or green and, if you didn’t know any better, are quite attractive. The tree has an unpleasant odor that has been described as either cat urine or rancid peanut butter.
This odious tree is also host to two destructive pest insects: the spotted lantern fly and the marmorated stink bug.Marmorated stink bugs, besides being stinky, are obnoxious in that they will destroy many economically important food crops in California. They attack grapevines, pears, apples, stone fruit, berries, figs, almonds, hazelnuts, and citrus. In colder weather they have also been known to invade houses in large numbers.
The spotted lantern fly, another invasive pest, has been causing problems on the East Coast but has not yet made its way into California. It lays its eggs on non-plant materials such as firewood, outdoor furniture, shipping crates, or vehicles. In this way, you can see how easy it would be for it to make its way to California. It affects at least 40 different crops including grapevines, stone fruit, apples, berries, walnuts, almonds, and hops. It is 1 inch long and about half an inch wide.
We hope that by discouraging people from planting this tree , we can slow or stop the spread of the spotted lantern fly to California. It may sound mean to advocate for the destruction of these trees but think of the hops .Storm system brings thunder, rain and hail to Southern CaliforniaLA Marathon: Freeway ramps and street closures for the March 17 raceFoster care attorney arrested on child porn charges volunteered at children’s charity20 places to celebrate St.
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