These smelly trees are helping other invasive pests make Indiana their home

Indiana has rich biodiversity with thousands of species in unique habitats, but the ornamental plant trade, globalization and development have introduced new threats to these ecosystems. IndyStar is highlighting some of the invasive species putting our natural landscape at risk and how you can help combat their spread.

The tree of heaven ( Ailanthus altissima ) is one of Indiana's most aggressive invasive plants. As it spreads, it chemically attacks nearby species, hurts local bird populations and attracts spotted lanternflies — a highly invasive pest. And adding insult to injury, the whole plant smells like rotten peanut butter.

Like the invasive lesser celandine , trees of heaven hurt ecosystems that straddle stream beds and river ways. But unlike invasive grasses and flowe