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SassafrasSassafras albidum
A captivating, native North American tree known for its brilliant display of autumn foliage and aromatic smell. Leaves are 3"–7" long, bright to medium green in summer changing to enchanting colors of yellow, deep orange, scarlet and purple in the fall. They have a unique mitten (right- and left-handed) or three-lobe shape. The 1/2" dark blue fruit is loved by birds in the fall. Plant in full sun or partial shade in moist, acidic, well-drained soil. Be sure to remove any shoots that develop for a single-trunk tree. Grows at a medium to fast pace to 30'–60' tall with a 25'–40' spread. (zones 4–9)
Hardiness Zones
The sassafras can be expected to grow in Hardiness Zones 4–9. View Map
Tree Type
Mature Size
The sassafras grows to a height of 30–60' and a spread of 25–40' at maturity.
Growth Rate
This tree grows at a medium to fast rate, with height increases of anywhere from 13" to more than 24" per year.
Sun Preference
Full sun and partial shade are best for this tree, meaning it prefers a minimum of four hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day.
Soil Preference
The sassafras grows well in acidic, moist, loamy, wet and well-drained soils. It has some tolerance to drought and salt.
Attributes
This tree:
- Produces a wonderful aroma.
- Provides a brilliant autumn display, with leaves turning yellow, deep orange, scarlet and purple.
- Blooms in early spring, with clusters of yellow flowers about 1–2" long and up to ½" in diameter.
- Can be grown as a single-trunk tree or a dense, bushy thicket.
- Features bright to medium green leaves that are 3–7" long with a unique mitten or three-lobe shape.
- Yields ½" dark blue fruit in the fall.
- Grows in a rounded shape.
Wildlife Value
The fruit is eaten by deer, bears, wild turkeys and a wide variety of other birds.
History/Lore
Throughout its natural range, the roots and bark were once used as a regular spring tonic. A Spanish physician in 1574 announced that sassafras was a cure for almost every human ailment.