So-named for its ability to grow skywards at alarming speeds, the Tree of Heaven can reach heights of up 24 metres. Native to China, it was brought to the United States as an ornamental plant in the late 1700s, but it quickly became the houseguest that wouldn't leave. With a scent that's reminiscent of a gym locker, it's not hard to see why.

However, while the Tree of Heaven is considered a pest in many places, it does have some uses. The wood is lightweight and has been used for making packing crates, boxes, and furniture. The tree also has some medicinal properties and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a variety of ailments.