Sassafras (Sassafras albidum)

Sassafras

(Sassafras albidum)

Photo by David J. Stang

CC BY-SA 4.0

Image By: Photo by David J. Stang

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Copyright Notice: Photo by: Photo by David J. Stang | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 | Uploader: David Stang | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Sassafras_albidum_0zz.jpg | Notes: {{Information |description={{en|greater periwinkle (''Vinca major'')}} |date=2021-03-31 |source=https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/118268426 |author=[https://www.inaturalist.org/users/543698 Murielle Desrois] |permission= |other versions= }} {{Location

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Sassafras albidum, commonly known as Sassafras, is a deciduous tree or large shrub native to eastern North America, including the Eastern U.S. and Ontario. It thrives in a variety of woodland settings, such as open woodlands and forest edges, particularly in areas with moist, well-drained soils. Sassafras typically grows to 15–20 m (49–66 ft) tall with a canopy up to 12 m (39 ft) wide, and features a trunk up to 60 cm (24 in) in diameter. The bark of mature trees is thick, dark red-brown, and deeply furrowed, adding to its winter interest. Its greenish-yellow flowers bloom in early spring, are small and not particularly showy, but are followed by attractive blue-black berries on red stalks that are loved by birds. The leaves are notable for their variable shape, often with two or three lobes, and turn vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red in the fall.

Sassafras is valued for its aromatic properties, distinctive foliage, and wildlife benefits. It is used in landscaping for naturalized areas, as a specimen tree, or for its fall color. It is also known for its traditional uses, including flavoring in foods and beverages. Sassafras prefers rich, well-drained sandy loam with a pH of 6–7 but is adaptable to various soil types. It can tolerate some shade as a seedling but requires full sun as it matures for optimal growth. The plant’s vigorous root system can produce suckers, leading to the formation of dense thickets if not managed. While this can be beneficial for creating a natural screen, it may become problematic in smaller landscapes.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Tree, Shrub
Height: 50-60 feet
Width: 25-40 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Yellow, Green
Flowering Season: Spring
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Medium, High
Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Salt Tolerant

Natural Habitat

Open woodlands and forest edges, greenish-yellow flowers, dense thickets from root sprouts

Other Names

Common Names: Silky Sassifras, White Sassafras, Red Sassafras, Fenchelholzbaum, Sasafrás

Scientific Names: , Sassafras albidum, Sassafras sassafras, Sassafras variifolium, Sassafras albidum var. molle, Sassafras officinale, Laurus sassafras, Sassafras albidum var. albidum, Sassafras officinalis, Persea sassafras

GBIF Accepted Name: Sassafras albidum (Nutt.) Nees