A mature tree-of-heaven grows in the parking lot north of Human Nutrition.
The tree-of-heaven is an
extremely fast-growing (3 to 5 feet in one season), though short-lived,
tree. Native to China, it was introduced to the US in 1784, and is widely
cultivated in Iowa urban areas, it often escapes to grow on vacant lots
and in waste areas. The tree-of-heaven is best planted only in areas where
it is impossible to grow other species. The weak, brittle wood is easily
damaged in storms, the leaves produce very little fall color and the prolific
seed reproduction and root suckering make this a high-maintenance tree.
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