Log in Start trial

Sassafras

Sassafras Albidum

Design with this plant

Overview

Sassafras albidum, commonly referred to as Sassafras, is a native North American deciduous tree notable for its aromatic properties and distinctive mitten-shaped leaves. It can reach heights up to 60 feet with a spread of 25-40 feet. The tree boasts yellow-green spring flowers, followed by blue-black berries on female trees. Known for its vibrant fall foliage, it thrives in zones 4-9, preferring full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils.

Sun Full, HalfWater MediumZones 8–11Type Shrub, TreeClimate Alpine, Mediterranean

Sassafras (Sassafras Albidum) — acidic soils.<br><br>One of the Sassafras's most notable characteristics is its tri-lobed; it can reach heights up, image 67

Culture

Sun: Full, Half
Water: Medium
USDA zones: 8–11

Shape & size

Classification

Type: Shrub, Tree
Family: Lauraceae
Climate: Alpine, Mediterranean

See full data, regional cultivation notes, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (94)

Sassafras (Sassafras Albidum) — The tree boasts yellow-green spring flowers, followed by blue-black berries on female trees

Sassafras (Sassafras Albidum) — The tree also supports local ecology; approximately 1 to 2 feet per year

Sassafras (Sassafras Albidum) — which create a unique and varied texture in the landscape

Sassafras (Sassafras Albidum) — the foliage provides a stunning display; or naturalized in woodland gardens

Sassafras (Sassafras Albidum) — be informed that it does spread by suckers

Sassafras (Sassafras Albidum) — It is also important to note that the tree has been used traditionally for its root bark in flavoring drinks

Sassafras (Sassafras Albidum) — which create a unique and varied texture in the landscape; acidic soils.<br><br>One of the Sassafras's most notable

Sassafras (Sassafras Albidum) — and its leaves in cooking

Sassafras (Sassafras Albidum) — shrub / tree for full or half

Sassafras (Sassafras Albidum) — Known for its vibrant fall foliage

Sassafras (Sassafras Albidum) — Sassafras is hardy in USDA Zones 4 through 9; yellow flowers in the garden

Sassafras (Sassafras Albidum) — which create a unique and varied texture in the landscape; acidic soils.<br><br>One of the Sassafras's most notable, image 68

Sassafras (Sassafras Albidum) — turning vibrant shades of yellow; it is also important to note that the tree has been used traditionally for its, image 70

Sassafras (Sassafras Albidum) — commonly referred to as Sassafras; known for its vibrant fall foliage

Sassafras (Sassafras Albidum) — Known for its vibrant fall foliage; sassafras is hardy in USDA Zones 4 through 9

Sassafras (Sassafras Albidum) — yellow flowers in the garden; turning vibrant shades of yellow

Sassafras (Sassafras Albidum) — Sassafras is effective as a focal point, image 44

Sassafras (Sassafras Albidum) — Its modest size makes it appropriate for residential spaces; shrub / tree for full or half

Sassafras (Sassafras Albidum) — The tree also supports local ecology

Sassafras (Sassafras Albidum) — shrub / tree with yellow blooms

Sassafras (Sassafras Albidum) — commonly referred to as Sassafras; known for its vibrant fall foliage, image 59

Sassafras (Sassafras Albidum) — blue-black drupes borne on red stems; adding winter interest.<br><br>In the landscape design

Sassafras (Sassafras Albidum) — preferring full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils

Sassafras (Sassafras Albidum) — adding winter interest.<br><br>In the landscape design; and adapts well to a variety of soil types

Photographs by 10 contributors

Alex Abair, CC BY 4.0 · source
David J. Stang, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C.,…, CC BY 2.0 · source
Douglas Goldman, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Nicholas A. Tonelli from Northeast Pennsylvania, CC BY 2.0 · source
Michal Klajban, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Doug McGrady from Warwick, RI, USA, CC BY 2.0 · source
vastateparksstaff, CC BY 2.0 · source
Chris Light, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source

Related plants

Avocado (Persea Americana) — Gardeners must be mindful of water needs

Tree

Avocado

Persea Americana

FullUSDA 10–10

California Bay (Umbellularia Californica) — The California Bay, Umbellularia californica, is a versatile evergreen tree native to coastal forests

Shrub

California Bay

Umbellularia Californica

FullUSDA 8–11

Camphor Tree (Cinnamomum Camphora) — which is both refreshing and therapeutic; hardy in USDA zones 8-10, it thrives in full sun to partial shade, image 76

Tree

Camphor Tree

Cinnamomum Camphora

FullUSDA 8–11

False Camphor Tree (Cinnamomum Glanduliferum) — Its glossy leaves emit a spicy fragrance when crushed, adding a sensory appeal

Tree

False Camphor Tree

Cinnamomum Glanduliferum

FullUSDA 8–11

Grecian Laurel (Laurus Nobilis) — Hardiness zones for this laurel range from 8 to 10

Shrub

Grecian Laurel

Laurus Nobilis

FullUSDA 9–10

Hass Avocado (Persea Americana 'Hass') — is a prolific cultivar that serves as a staple in both culinary and landscape settings

Tree

Hass Avocado

Persea Americana 'Hass'

FullUSDA 10–10