Skip to main content
Invasive Species: Trees

Invasive Species: Trees

Invasive Trees

Species that are not native and also have the potential to harm human health or to harm natural, agricultural or silvicultural resources can be listed as prohibited or restricted by the State of Michigan. If a species is prohibited or restricted, it is unlawful to possess, introduce, import, sell or offer that species for sale as a live organism, except under certain circumstances.

Black Locust

(Robinia pseudoacacia)

Black locust is a fast-growing tree that can reach 40-100 feet high. It has compound leaves and produces clusters of white flowers in the spring. 

More information: Black locust
Black locust leaves

Callery Pear

(Pyrus calleryana)

Callery pear, a common landscape tree with small, white flowers and small, round, brown to green fruit, can spread by root suckers and seeds to form thickets in open areas and forest edges. 

More information: Callery pear
Two flowering callery pear trees in a residential area.

Tree of Heaven

(Ailanthus altissima)

Tree of Heaven is a fast-growing, deciduous tree reaching up to 70 feet. Its leaves resemble native sumac, but its fruits are flat, twisted, winged seeds.  Tree of Heaven's flowers and leaves have an unpleasant odor, somewhat like rotten peanut butter. 

More information: Tree of heaven
Tree of heaven