tree of heaven
- noun
- /tri əv ˈhɛvən/
:
árbol del cielo
- Mice avoid the smaller and less protein-rich seeds of maples, ashes, and trees-of-heaven but devour the larger, more nutritious seeds of pines and oaks.
Examples
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"He dumped the ammonia under Mr. Aberg's poplars, which Vincent's dad said were really about half trees of heaven and the other half eyesore.
Fiction book (1996) -
In the city, the tree of heaven grows tall and provides shade along the streets.
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Opposite page, right: The male tree of heaven has survived to maturity in Boston.
Academic text (2010) -
Willow, maple, sugar maple, weeping willow, and tree of heaven.
Fiction book (2001) -
A native of China, Ailanthus altissima, or tree of heaven, was widely planted in the northeastern United States during the first half of the nineteenth century.
Academic text (2010) -
The voles, it turned out, preferred red maple, white ash, and tree-of-heaven seedlings and turned up their noses at those of white pine and red oak.
Academic text (2002) -
Known for its tolerance to pollution, the tree of heaven is often found in urban areas.
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The invasive tree of heaven can quickly take over spaces meant for native plants.
Synonyms
A fast-growing tree from China with large leaves and smelly flowers
A fast-growing tree from China with sumac-like leaves and strong-smelling flowers often planted on streets
A fast growing Asian tree that spreads quickly and grows well in cities
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase is compositionally clear — a B1 learner who knows 'tree' and 'heaven' will predict it names a kind of tree ('a tree of/associated with heaven'), so the basic referent is inferable. However, the specific botanical identity and properties (Ailanthus altissima, fast growth, urban tolerance, unpleasant-smelling flowers) are not derivable from the parts, so full understanding requires prior exposure.
Etymology
Tree of heaven may come from an old Chinese name that called it a tree from heaven, because it grows very fast and reaches high into the sky. Because it can live in poor soil and even polluted city places, people saw it as 'heaven-sent', so the name helps us remember this tough, fast-growing tree.
