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Is Tree of heaven illegal in Connecticut?
Sources (1)
Also called: Ailanthus altissima. Last checked against official sources: 2026-10-14.
Federal noxious weed list (7 CFR 360.200): Tree of heaven is not listed.
What Connecticut's official list says
| List / legal category | Listed as | List note | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prohibited invasive plant (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 22a-381d) — no import, move, sale, purchase, transplanting, cultivation or distribution | Ailanthus altissima | tree of heaven | Yes — listed as prohibited |
Effective dates
- The official list entry does not state a separate effective date for this species. See the linked law for when the listing took effect.
Already have it in your yard?
Most state invasive-plant laws, including the list wording above, target selling, distributing, propagating or planting. They generally do not order you to remove a plant already in your yard, but some noxious-weed laws do require control. Read the linked law or ask your county Extension office.
Native alternatives for Connecticut
- Staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina)
- Smooth sumac (Rhus glabra)
- Hoptree (Ptelea trifoliata)
- Kentucky coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus)
- Tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera)
Each is recorded as native to Connecticut in the USDA NRCS PLANTS Database state distribution (retrieved 2026-10-14). Check size, sun and soil fit for your site with your local Extension office.
More native swaps with hardiness, light and size →
Tree of heaven in other states
Arizona California Colorado Delaware Illinois Indiana Maine Massachusetts Minnesota New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico Ohio Oregon Pennsylvania Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin
See every plant on Connecticut's invasive & noxious plant lists, or check any plant.
Not legal advice. PlantLegit summarizes official lists and links the source. Laws change, local (county/city) rules may add restrictions, and the official text controls. "What it means" is our plain-English label; read the exact list wording. Confirm with the agency before buying, selling or removing plants. Full disclaimer.