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Is Tree of heaven illegal in Wisconsin?
Sources (3)
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 Wisconsin's official list says
| List / legal category | Listed as | List note | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restricted invasive plant (NR 40) — no transport, transfer (including sale) or introduction without a permit | Ailanthus altissima | Tree of heaven (listed 9/1/2009) | Yes — listed as prohibited |
Effective dates
- listed 9/1/2009 (from the official list entry)
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 Wisconsin
- Staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina)
- Smooth sumac (Rhus glabra)
- Hoptree (Ptelea trifoliata)
- Kentucky coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus)
Each is recorded as native to Wisconsin 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 Connecticut Delaware Illinois Indiana Maine Massachusetts Minnesota New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico Ohio Oregon Pennsylvania Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia
See every plant on Wisconsin'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.