Sassafras features delicate racemes of lightly-scented lemon yellow flowers at the ends of the branches in early spring before the leaves. It has light green deciduous foliage. The lobed leaves turn an outstanding scarlet in the fall. The furrowed brick red bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape.
Landscape Attributes
Sassafras is a deciduous tree with a distinctive and refined pyramidal form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.
This tree will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It is a good choice for attracting birds to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats.
Planting & Growing
Sassafras will grow to be about 50 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 30 feet. It has a high canopy with a typical clearance of 6 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. As it matures, the lower branches of this tree can be strategically removed to create a high enough canopy to support unobstructed human traffic underneath. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 70 years or more.
This tree performs well in both full sun and full shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type, but has a definite preference for acidic soils, and is subject to chlorosis (yellowing) of the foliage in alkaline soils. It is quite intolerant of urban pollution, therefore inner city or urban streetside plantings are best avoided. This species is native to parts of North America.
Details
Botanical Name
Sassafrass albidum
Common Name
Sassafrass
Hardiness Zone
- 4a
Appearance
Max Height
50 feet
Max Spread
30 feet
Plant Form
Foliage Colour
- Light Green
Fall Colour
- Scarlet
Flower Colour
- Yellow
Edible
Edible Component
Edible Harvest Period
Edible Use
Fruit Colour
Growing
Flowering Period
Early Spring
Moisture
Average to Moist
Sunlight
Full Sun to Full Shade
Maintenance
Occasional
Deer Resistance
YES
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