Plant Description
Hardy, potentially large tree; rounded, spreading, open crown of stout branches and coarse foliage; grows up to 8 feet per year. Thrives under adverse conditions. Trunk diameter to 2 feet. Capable of spreading from seeds or suckers. Often in clusters.
Deciduous introduced tree; leaves are alternate pinnately compound, unpleasantly odorous when rubbed, on thick smooth stalks; leaflets 11 to 41, margins toothed, dark green on top and paler underneath, opposite; fruits winged and reddish to tan.
Habitat
Occurs on floodplains and other disturbed sites, riparian areas, open woodlands and forests, and rock outcrops.
Leaves
Dark green above but pale beneath. Pinnately compound, 1 to 2 feet long with 11 to 41 leaflets. Paired leaflets are 3 to 5 inches long, 1 to 2 inches wide, broadly lanced-shaped, pointed and toothed at base. Each tooth is paired with a gland.
Flowers
Flowers 1/4 inch long with 5 petals in large dense terminal clusters 6 to 12 inches long. Male flowers have an objectionable odor. Flowers can be male only with 10 stamens, male and female flowers with 2 to 3 stamens or female flowers only.
Fruit
Appear on plant in flat, twisted, paper-like wings, dispersed by wind. Seeds can stay on branch for a long time. Reddish when young.