Yes, Boston's Ailanthus trees are back in bloom and this time they are both wet and stinky.
These trees are an invasive species, and they are survivors. In places like the city's public alleys, where other trees fail, they thrive.
Below is a close up of the flowers that fill the air with that distinctive cat urine smell. As the blossoms scatter they cover cars, sidewalks, fill puddles and make noses itch.
Last year we did a stink tree report that proved to be very popular with readers:
http://www.bostonzest.com/2008/06/bostons-stink-t.html
It also inspired an interesting conversation over at Univeral Hub:
