Sassafras albidum
sassafras
An upright tree with fissured bark, which spreads by suckers. The attractive, three-lobed, aromatic foliage is light, glossy green and turns to shades of bright red, yellow and orange in the autumn. Sprays of small, green to yellow flowers open with the leaves and may be followed, on female trees, by red-stalked, dark blue berries
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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Blue | ||
| Autumn | Red Orange Yellow | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Lauraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright, Suckering
- Genus
Sassafras are deciduous trees with deeply fissured bark and glossy aromatic leaves which colour well in autumn. The inconspicuous male and female flowers are carried on separate trees and females can produce showy fruit
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- E North America
How to grow
Cultivation
Not always an easy tree to please. Likes woodland conditions - deep, moist but well-drained, preferably acid soil in sun or dappled shade. Mature trees are hardy but young trees can suffer frost damage
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe; take root cuttings in winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Cottage and informal garden
Pruning
Pruning group 1. Remove suckers unless a thicket is required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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